Download Datamax DMX 800 Printer

DMX 600 & 800
HP PCL-4, and HP Laser Jet II are Trademarks of Hewlett packard Corporation
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times, based upon Times New Roman under license from The Monotype
Corporation.
plc, is a product of Agfa Corporation.
Futura is a registered trademark of Fundición Tipográfica Neufville, S.A.
DMX 600 and DMX 800 are Trademarks of Datamax Bar Code Products
Corporation.
As an Energy Star Partner, Datamax Corporation has determined that this
product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Datamax Bar Code Products
Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use,
without the express written permission of Datamax Bar Code Products
Corporation.
© Copyright 1997 by Datamax Bar Code Products Corporation
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Part Number: 88-2133-01
Revision A2
Agency Compliance and Approvals:
UL: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
CSA: C22.2 No. 950-M93
TUV: EN60950, IEC950
1. Nur für Gebrauch innerhalb eines Gebäudes geeignet.
2. Bei Gefahr, Kabel aus der Steckdose herausziehen
3. Falls kein Kabel mitgeliefert wurde, bitte Folgendes bei der Anschaffung
eines Kabels beachten:
Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR" markiert ist,
bestehend mindestens aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das mindestens 0,75
Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine IEC320 Steckdose und
einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.
1. This unit is intended for indoor use only.
2. Disconnect power supply cord in case of emergency.
3. When power supply cord is not provided; for proper power supply cord
selection please see below:
For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of
a min H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter
conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a male plug for the
country of installation rated 6A, 250V
FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Important Safety Instructions
Your Bar Code Printer has been designed to give you many years of safe,
reliable service. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic
precautions you should take to avoid getting hurt or damaging the Printer.
Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided
with your Printer.
Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the Printer itself.
Place the Printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
To protect your Printer from overheating, make sure all openings on
the Printer are not blocked.
Do not place the Printer on or near a heat source, (i.e., a radiator or
heat register).
Do not use your Printer near water, or spill liquid of any kind into it.
Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on the back
of the Printer. If you are unsure, check with your dealer or with your
local power company.
As a safety device, your Printer has a grounded, 3-prong plug that will
only fit into a grounded outlet. If you cannot plug it in, chances are
you have an older, non-grounded outlet. Contact an electrician to have
the outlet replaced. Do not use an adapter to defeat the grounding.
Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the power
cord becomes damaged or frayed replace it immediately.
Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the
Printer.
Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair
your Printer.
Contents
Getting Started
1.0
1.1
1.2
Introduction............................................................... 1
Features..................................................................... 2
Printer Specifications................................................. 3
1.2.1 Label/Tag Media Specifications .................... 6
1.3 Unpacking and Inspection .......................................... 7
1.4 Connecting Power...................................................... 8
1.5 Interfacing to the Printer ............................................ 8
1.6 Loading Media ........................................................ 10
1.6.1 Loading Media (Peel & Present Option)....... 12
1.7 Printing Modes ........................................................ 13
1.8 Ribbon Installation .................................................. 14
1.9 Ribbon Removal...................................................... 16
1.10 Tear Bar Installation................................................ 17
1.11 Using the Internal Rewind Option............................. 18
1.12 Available Options .................................................... 20
Using Your Printer
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
Introduction............................................................. 23
Printing Self-Test and Configuration Labels ............. 23
2.1.1 Power On Self-Test ..................................... 24
2.1.2 System Reset Self-Test................................ 24
2.1.3 Host Control Self-Test ................................ 24
Configuration Test Labels........................................ 25
Sample Configuration Label..................................... 26
2.3.1 Explanation of the Configuration Label ...... 27
Configuration Dot Test Pattern Label....................... 28
Character Dump Mode ............................................ 29
Printing Test Labels................................................. 30
Printer Configuration Switch Settings....................... 30
NV RAM ................................................................ 31
Memory Cartridges (Modules) ................................. 31
I
Front Panel Operation
3.0
3.1
3.2
Introduction............................................................. 33
LCD/Keypad Front Panel ........................................ 33
Using the LCD/Keypad Front Panel ......................... 34
3.2.1 Basic Function ............................................ 35
3.2.2 Advanced Setup .......................................... 36
Printing Labels
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Introduction............................................................. 41
Printer Used With a Link CRT................................. 42
4.1.1 Formatting and Printing Labels.................... 45
4.1.2 Create/Modify Label Screen ........................ 51
4.1.3 Print Label Screen....................................... 64
4.1.4 System Maintenance Screen ........................ 66
4.1.5 Quick Reference Listing .............................. 68
Using Basic Programming Commands...................... 70
Sample Label........................................................... 74
Printing Bar Codes .................................................. 75
Maintenance
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Introduction............................................................. 77
Cleaning .................................................................. 77
5.1.1 Printhead..................................................... 77
5.1.2 General Cleaning......................................... 78
5.1.3 Cutter or Tear Bar....................................... 78
Media Sensor Adjustment ........................................ 79
Printhead Cam Adjustment....................................... 80
Controlling Print Quality.......................................... 81
Troubleshooting....................................................... 82
Printer Alarms ......................................................... 85
Appendix A
ASCII Control Chart....................................................... A-1
Appendix B
Available Fonts and Bar Codes........................................ B-1
Appendix C
Error Codes .................................................................... C-1
Appendix D
II
Warranty Information...................................................... D-1
III
Getting Started
Figure 1-1 Printer Overview
1.0
Introduction
This manual covers all operation and setup procedures for the DMX 600
and DMX 800. The major difference between the two printers is the
DMX 600 can produce a print width of 6.4" (162.6mm) and the DMX
800 can produce a print width of 8.5" (216mm).
The DMX 600 and DMX 800, hereafter referred to as 'the Printer', offer
high-performance, low-cost direct thermal and thermal transfer label
printing. Their powerful capabilities, easy-to-use features, contemporary
look, and affordable pricing set a new standard for thermal label printers
in retail, office, and industrial applications.
This manual provides all the information necessary for the daily operation
of your printer.
To create and print labels refer to the instructions included with the
software you have chosen or if you wish to write a custom program, visit
our website at http//www.datamaxcorp.com for a copy of the
Programmer’s Manual (part number 88-2051-01).
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
1
1.1
Features
Features of the Printer include:
Industrial look, metal constructed cabinet
Media window with ribbon and supply view
Front bezel and front panel made of ABS injection molded plastic
Operators panel with a back lit LCD display for setting Printer default
values
Adjustable label edge sensor
Label backfeed for use with optional cutter or peel and present
mechanism
International characters included for most European, Scandinavian,
and Spanish speaking countries
English/metric label data input
User-selectable bar code ratios and heights
Printing on label, ticket, and tag stock
Internal rewind mechanism, peel and present mode accepts up to 8" of
labels, or label backing
Easy to load label stock and transfer ribbon mechanism
Diagnostics self-test
Downloadable soft fonts in optional programmable memory modules
using HP-LaserJet™ II (PCL-4) compatibility
Twin-AX/Coax device connectivity
Standard 1 meg DRAM expandable to 17 meg
Standard 2 meg EPROM expandable to 4 meg
Standard 128K of non-volatile RAM
2- 32 bit font cartridge slots
300dpi (11.8 dot per mm) 6.7" wide Printhead
String buffer size of 10,000 characters
Inverse text capability
Graphics drawing capability
Fill patterns
Bar code printing
New bar codes
DPI fixed point font cartridges
__________________________________________________________
2
Getting Started
1.2
Printer Specifications
Printing
Type:
Direct thermal or thermal transfer
Resolution:
300 dots per inch (11.8 dots/mm)
Print Speed:
6" Printer: 2.0" (51mm) to 8.0" (203.2mm) per
sec.
8" Printer: 2.0" (51mm) to 5.0" (127mm) per sec.
Bar Code Modules:
3.3 mil to 110 mil "X" dimension in picket or
ladder orientation
Maximum Print Width:
6" Printer: 6.4" (162.6mm)
8" Printer: 8.5" (216mm)
Maximum Print Length:
6" Printer: 10.0" (254mm) with 1 MB memory
99"(2575mm) with optional 17 MB memory
8" Printer: 8.0" (203mm) with 1 MB memory
64.0" (1626mm) with optional 17 MB memory
NOTE: Use of Scalable Fonts and/or allocation of DRAM memory to
the Internal Memory Bank will reduce maximum print length.
Minimum Print Length:
0.5" (12.7mm)
White Space Slew Rate:
6" Printer: 2.0" (51mm) to 8.0" (203.2mm) per
sec.
8" Printer: 2.0" (51mm) to 5.0" (127mm) per sec.
Maximum Fields/Label:
400; 10K data per label maximum
Minimum Dot Size:
0.0033" (0.08mm) square
Label Backfeed:
For use with optional cutter
Fonts
Resident Fonts:
Ten alphanumeric fonts from 0.035"H (0.89mm) to
0.64"H (16mm) and OCR-A, OCR-B; CG
Triumvirate smooth font (12 point sizes) from Agfa
in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Optional Fonts:
Proportional and monospaced available.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
3
Font Expansion:
All fonts expandable vertically and horizontally up
to 8x; fonts and graphics can be printed in four
directions: 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°
Character Density:
33.83 CPI in font 0 at 1x; 0.70 CPI in font 6 at 8x
__________________________________________________________
4
Getting Started
Media
Width:
6" Printer: 2.0" (51mm) to 6.7" (170mm)
8" Printer: 3.0" (76mm) to 9.0" (229mm)
Length:
0.50" (13mm) to 99.99" (2539mm)
Thickness:
0.0025" (0.0635mm) to 0.0100" (0.254mm)
Type:
Roll-fed, die-cut continuous or fan-fold labels, tags or
tickets; most direct thermal or thermal transfer
materials.
Supply Roll:
8.25" (210mm) maximum diameter on 1.5"(38mm) to
3" (76mm) cores
Internal Rewind:
6" Printer: 8” (203mm) max. roll dia.
8" Printer: 8.25" (210mm) max. roll dia.
Rewind spindle accepts 1.5”, and a 3” core.
Label Material:
Thermal transfer plain-coated papers, vinyl, Mylar,
metalized paper, non-woven fabric, fine woven fabric,
thermal-visible light scannable paper, infrared
scannable paper, thermal ticket/tag stock, thermally
sensitive plastic stock.
Thermal Ribbons:
6" Printer: Industry Standard cores; 25, 38, 51, 64,
76, 89, 110, up to 170mm; 1182' in length
8" Printer: Industry Standard cores; 25, 38, 51, 64,
76, 89, 110, up to 216mm; 1476' in length
Media Sensing:
NOTE:
Moveable "see-through" for die-cut labels and
reflective for tags with black striping.
The reflective sensor mark must be carbon based. The sensor
is infrared and will not reflect off of a plain black mark.
Bar Codes
Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128 (subsets A, B, and C), Codabar, LOGMARS,
UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC 2 & 5 digit addendums, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN 2 & 5 digit
addendums, UPC random weight, Code 93, MSI Plessey, Universal Shipping Container
Symbology, UCC/EAN Code 128, Postnet, PDF 417, Telepen, UPS MaxiCode, and
FIM.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
5
Indicators and Switches
Indicator Lights:
Power, Ribbon/Media, Pause
Switches:
Power, Pause, Feed, Stop/Cancel
LCD Display:
2 x 16 characters for error messages, print status, and
recalling stored formats
Communications Interfacing
(RS-232C or RS-422 at 300 to 19,200 baud; Twin-Ax/Coax optional)
Character Set:
ANSI ASCII character set
Word Length:
Selectable 7-bit or 8-bit data format
Handshaking:
XON/XOFF (in receive mode only) and CTS/DTR
Input Buffer:
Approximately 6144 bytes. XOFF is transmitted and
DTR goes low when 768 bytes are available in the
buffer. XON is transmitted and DTR goes high when
1026 bytes are left in the buffer. Characters are
transmitted with no parity from the Printer.
Electrical
Power Source:
115/230 VAC 50/60Hz Auto-ranging power supply
Circuit Protection:
(2) 8 amp, 250V slo-blo fuses
Grounding:
Unit must be connected to a properly grounded outlet
Environmental
Operating
Temperature:
40ºF to 100ºF (4ºC to 38ºC)
Storage Temperature:
32ºF to 120ºF (0ºC to 49ºC)
Humidity:
10% to 95% non-condensing
Ventilation:
Forced air movement
Dust:
Non-conducting, non-corrosive
Physical
Dimensions:
6" Printer: 13.5"H x 12.5"W x 18"D
(343mmH x 317.5mmW x 457mmD)
8" Printer: 15"H x 15"W x 18"D
(379.2mmH x 379.2.5mmW x 457mmD)
Weight:
6" Printer: Approximately 55 lbs. (24.8 kg)
8" Printer: Approximately 65 lbs. (29.5 kg)
__________________________________________________________
6
Getting Started
1.2.1
Label/Tag Media Specifications
Figure 1-2 Media Dimensions
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Description
Label width
Backing width
Gap between labels
Label length
Backing thickness
Label thickness
Width of sensor opening
Distance from edge of media to
edge of sensor opening
Reflective sensor mark width
Distance between reflective
mark
Reflective sensor mark length
6" Printer
MAX in. MIN in.
6.700
2.000
6.700
2.000
99.99
0.100
99.99
0.500
0.005
0.0023
0.005
0.0023
0.500
0.200
3.250
0.200
8" Printer
MAX in. MIN in.
9.000
3.000
9.000
3.000
99.99
0.100
99.99
0.500
0.005
0.0023
0.005
0.0023
0.500
0.200
3.250
0.200
4.00
99.99
1.000
0.250
4.00
99.99
1.000
0.250
99.99
0.100
99.99
0.100
Table 1-1 Media Specifications
Lists of Approved Media:
For a current list of approved standard media for use in thermal and
thermal transfer printers, please contact your product representative.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
7
1.3
Unpacking and Inspection
Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of shipment damage. If any
damage is evident, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and
extent of damage.
The Printer is packed in molded styrofoam packaging. The Printer is
enclosed in a plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture damage during
shipment. Remove the Printer from the plastic bag.
In addition to this manual, the shipping container(s) should include the
following standard items:
Label printer
AC power cord
Special or additional items purchased.
__________________________________________________________
8
Getting Started
1.4
Connecting Power
The AC Power Cord must be connected from the AC wall outlet to the
back of the Printer. Ensure the Printer is 'OFF' when connecting power.
Note:
When turning the Printer off and then back on it may take several
seconds for the Printer to power up.
Figure 1-3 Power Connection
1.5
Interfacing to the Printer
The Printer can be connected to the host via serial or parallel.
Figure 1-4
Interface Connections
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
9
When a serial (RS-232C) interface between the Printer and the Host will
be used, a serial interface cable is needed to connect the Printer to the
host. Cable configurations for typical interfaces are shown below,
(Contact your reseller for part numbers and ordering information).
Null Modem or Straight Cable (MXM)
“PC” (DB25P) to Printer
“PC” (DB9P) to Printer
RS-422 Connection
Table 1-2 Interface Cable Applications
Other applications may require a parallel connection from the Printer to
the host. The Printer can be connected to the host with a standard parallel
printer cable.
__________________________________________________________
10
Getting Started
1.6
Loading Media
The Printer accepts a wide range of media. It can be loaded with Roll,
Fan Folded, Die Cut, or Continuous Media of either Thermal Transfer or
Direct Thermal type.
Loading Media
1. Open the Stock Door.
2. Slide a roll of the chosen media onto the Media Hub, ensure the media
is slid against the Inner Guide. If using Fan-Fold media, slide an
empty media core onto the Media Hub, this allows the media to ride
smoothly over the Media Hub Fins.
3. Raise the Printhead Latch Wing and rotate it counterclockwise one
half turn to unlock the Printhead. Disengage the latch and swing the
Printhead to the raised position.
4. Route the media under the Bouncer Assembly and up through the
front slot of the Printer.
NOTE:
If the Printer is equipped with the Ribbon Saver Option leave
the Printhead latched and feed the media in as far as it will
go. Then press the FEED button repeatedly until the media
feeds up and through the Printhead Assembly.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
11
Figure 1-5 Loading Roll and Fan Fold Media
__________________________________________________________
12
Getting Started
1.6.1
Loading Media (Peel & Present Option)
1. Using the two Release Tabs on the Peel & Present Mechanism pull the
Peel Roller Bracket back away from the Fixed Bracket.
Figure 1-6 Peel & Present Mechanism
2. Thread the media over the top of the Fixed Bracket and under the
Peel Rollers of the Roller Bracket.
Figure 1-7 Loading Media (Peel & Present Option)
3. Push the Roller Bracket forward to its closed position.
4. Route the remaining media to the Internal Rewind Hub, (see Section
1.11).
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
13
1.7
Printing Modes
Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal
The Printer is capable of printing in two modes, Direct Thermal and
Thermal Transfer. These two modes have in common the use of heat to
produce the printed image, and differ in the way that the heat is applied.
In Thermal Transfer printing, the individual dot elements of the Printhead
apply heat to a ribbon. The ink on the ribbon is a specially-formulated
material that is melted into the print media, bonding with the media to
produce an image. The PRINT METHOD function within the Printer's
menu, (see Section 3.2), must be set to TRANSFER to utilize this
printing method.
Direct Thermal printing dispenses with a ribbon and applies heat directly
to the print media, which is formulated to react to the heat by turning
black. This mode requires the use of a special Direct Thermal print
media. It also requires that the ribbon, (if already installed) must be
removed. The PRINT METHOD function within the Printer's menu must
be set to DIRECT to use this printing method.
NOTE:
Using Direct Thermal print media with a ribbon will produce
unacceptable print quality.
__________________________________________________________
14
Getting Started
1.8
Ribbon Installation
To install a new ribbon, use the following procedure:
1. Open the Stock Door.
2. Raise the Printhead Latch Wing and rotate it counterclockwise one half
turn to unlock the Printhead. Disengage the latch and swing the
Printhead to the raised position.
3. Slide the ribbon roll onto the Ribbon Supply Hub, making sure that the
ribbon roll is pushed back against the flange at the base of the Ribbon
Supply Hub.
4. Route the ribbon through the Printer as shown below.
Figure 1-8 Ribbon Loading
5. Remove the J-Hook from the Ribbon Rewind Hub.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
15
6. While holding the ribbon Take-Up Hub, rotate the J-Hook clockwise to
un-latch it.
7. Raise the J-Hook upward and place the end of the ribbon over the
Take-Up Hub.
8. Slide the J-Hook back into place as shown below. While holding the
ribbon Take-Up Hub, rotate the J-Hook counterclockwise to latch.
Figure 1-9 J-Hook
7. Lower the Printhead, engage the Printhead Latch, rotate the Printhead
Latch Wing one half turn clockwise and lower the Printhead Latch
Wing.
8. Close the Stock Door.
__________________________________________________________
16
Getting Started
1.9
Ribbon Removal
As previously noted, when printing in the Direct Thermal mode, the
Printer does not use a ribbon. Generally ribbons are used to completion
and then replaced. Removal of the old ribbon is simply a matter of pulling
it straight off the Take-Up Hub and discarding it.
There may, however, be applications in which the use of a Direct Thermal
media is required, but the installed ribbon has not been completely used.
In these cases ribbon removal is as follows:
1. Cut the ribbon between the top two Idler Rollers, (see Section 1.8).
2. Unlatch the Printhead. Turn the Ribbon Supply Hub clockwise to
draw the unused portion of the ribbon back until it is clear of the
Printhead.
3. Turn the Ribbon Take-Up Hub counterclockwise to roll up the used
portion of the ribbon, and slide the used ribbon off the Hub.
The unused portion of the ribbon may be left in place until the next
Thermal Transfer print job, at which time it may be re-installed following
the ribbon installation procedure, (see Section 1.8).
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
17
1.10
Tear Bar Installation
The Tear Bar is already fastened to the Printer. To utilize the Tear Bar
remove the Rewind Bracket and replace the Thumbscrews.
Figure 1-10 Tear Bar Installation
__________________________________________________________
18
Getting Started
1.11
Using the Internal Rewind Option
When large quantities of labels must be printed as single batches or for
later use, the Printer may be equipped with a Internal Rewind Hub that
will automatically roll up the label media for convenient handling. The
Internal Rewind Hub is also used in conjunction with the Peel and Present
Option to roll up the used media backing after labels have been peeled off.
To use the Media Rewind Hub:
1. Open the Stock Door.
2. Install a roll of the desired label media, (see Section 1.6) and pull the
media through the Printer until approximately 18 inches is free in
front of the unit.
3. Loosen the Thumbscrew and remove the Media Retainer from the
Rewind Shaft.
Figure 1-11 Media Retainer
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
19
4. Insert the free end of the media through the Media Take-Up slot in the
front of the Printer. Place the lead edge of the media into the slot on
the Internal Rewind Hub.
Figure 1-12 Internal Rewind Media Loading
5. Rotate the Internal Rewind Hub counterclockwise to take up any
slack. Next slide the Media Retainer onto the Internal Rewind Hub so
it is just touching the media.
6. Tighten the Thumbscrew and close the Stock Door.
__________________________________________________________
20
Getting Started
1.12
Available Options
Cutter
The Printer may be ordered with an optional cutter mechanism installed
(for cutting tags and labels), or the option can be installed by the user at a
later date. The Cutter Option attaches to the Printer using the same
method as the Tear-Off Assembly installation. When properly installed,
and the CUTTER function within the Printer's menu is set to ENABLE,
the cutter is automatically activated by the Printer.
Peel and Present Mechanism
The Printer can be ordered with an optional Peel and Present Mechanism
Kit, or the option can be purchased and installed at a later date. The Peel
and Present Mechanism option must be used in conjunction with the
Internal Rewind Option. The mechanism can be used with or without the
Present Sensor. With the Present Sensor installed and enabled, the Printer
will not print the next label in its internal buffer until the last label printed
has been removed from the Printer.
For use without the Present Sensor, quantities of labels, (printed one at a
time), can be performed by selecting the PAUSE MODE from the menu
tree, (see Section 3.2.2), or by using the STX J command, (see Section
4.2). After removing the printed label, hit the pause button on the Front
Control Panel in order to print the next label. To clear the STX J
command the Printer must be reset.
Ribbon Saver
The Ribbon Saver, (a factory installed option), raises the Printhead off the
Output Platen when the Printer is feeding white space and stops the ribbon
movement. Since the ribbon does not move while the Printhead is raised,
previous wasted ribbon is now saved.
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
21
DRAM Expansion
The DRAM memory on the Main PCB of the Printer can be expanded to
5 or 17 MB using optionally purchased SIMMs. Additional memory
allows for larger label formats to be loaded into the Printer's memory,
thereby making it possible to print longer labels. With a full 17MB of
DRAM installed longer labels can be produced.
Internal Memory Expansion
4 Meg EPROM Expansion
This option is available to Firmware Development Kit users who require
additional code, font, or graphic capabilities.
2 Meg FLASH EPROM Expansion
This option is available to Firmware Development Kit users who require
firmware to be downloaded from a controller directly to the Printer.
__________________________________________________________
22
Getting Started
__________________________________________________________
Getting Started
23
Using Your Printer
2.0
Introduction
Printer operation should be verified before setting it up for ON-LINE
operation. This is accomplished using the Printer’s internal self-test
diagnostics. Before beginning the self-test, load the Printer with full width
media, and ribbon (if using thermal transfer media) as explained in
Chapter 1. If Direct Thermal media is being used, be sure to place the
Printer's PRINT METHOD function in the DIRECT mode. This is done
via the Operators Panel.
2.1
Printing Self-Test and Configuration Labels
The Printer’s built in Self-Test diagnostics can determine the Printer’s
status and help isolate problems with the Printer. The Self -Test will:
•
•
•
Produce Configuration Test-Labels
Check the operation of host to Printer communication lines (Character
Dump Mode)
Test the transmit/receive data lines, and Data Terminal Ready
(DTR)/Clear To Send (CTS) control signal operation.
The Printer’s Self-Test can be enabled in one of four ways:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Power On Self-Test
System Reset Self-Test
Host Control
The Main Menu Maintenance function accessed using the Operators
Panel. (Refer to Chapter 3 for instructions on using the Operators
Panel).
__________________________________________________________
24
Using Your Printer
2.1.1
Power On Self-Test
If power to the Printer is off, begin the Self-Test by using the Power-Up
Method.
Press and hold in the FEED button and turn the Printer ON.
Release the FEED button when the Printer displays 'DYNAMIC
RAM DIAGNOSTICS'.
After a brief hesitation the Configuration Labels will begin to print.
2.1.2
System Reset Self-Test
If main power to the Printer is already on, begin the Self-Test by using the
System Reset method.
Press and release the PAUSE and CANCEL buttons at the same time.
Next press and hold the FEED button until the Printer displays
'READY'.
After a brief hesitation the Configuration Labels will begin to print.
2.1.3
Host Control Self-Test
The following procedures describe how to start and end each test by using
software commands.
The following command will print a Configuration Test Label:
<STX> Z
Translation:
Simultaneously send the data sequence, "<STX>",
followed by the (upper case) letter "Z".
__________________________________________________________
Using Your Printer
25
2.2
Configuration Test Labels
The Self-Test will perform a complete diagnosis of the Printer. The
Printer will print out two test labels and will then enter the character dump
mode. If an RS-232 test plug is installed, the Printer will also test the
transmit/receive data lines, and DTR/CTS control signal operation. If a
test plug is not installed the Printer will perform the normal Self-Test
routine, ignoring the serial port status. Figure 2-1 demonstrates how to
fabricate a test plug if one is not available.
Figure 2-1 Self-Test Plugs
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26
Using Your Printer
2.3
Sample Configuration Label
The Printer will print two labels when a Self-Test is performed. The first
label printed is the Configuration Label which lists the Printer's
configuration and status.
TUE JANUARY 02, 1995 17:14 002
DATABASE INFORMATION
SERIAL NUMBER_____00000000
SECURITY__________NONE
VERSION: EC - 02.05 09/8/95
ROM CHECKSUMS
U28 47-2045-01G
U29 47-2046-01G
U30 47-2047-01G
U31 47-2048-01G
SYSTEM RAM CHECKS_____ GOOD
SYSTEM RAM SIZE_______ 1 MEG
COUNTER INFORMATION
ABSOLUTE VALUES
10- 7-1995
LENGTH____
4 INCHES
TIME______
0 HOURS
RESETABLE VALUES 10- 7-1995
LENGTH____
4 INCHES
TIME______
0 HOURS
MEMORY CONFIGURATION
INTERNAL MODULE______
0
SCABLE FONTS_________
15
SYMBOL SET__ PC-850 MODIFIED
LABEL OPTIONS
HEAT SETTING____10
PRINT SPEED_____5.0 IPS
SLEW SPEED______5.0 IPS
BACKFEED SPEED__2.0 IPS
HORIZONTAL RES__300 DPI
VERTICAL RES____300 DPI
ATTRIBUTES______XOR
ROW ADJUST______
0in
COLUMN ADJUST___
0in
CUT AMOUNT______
1
LABEL WIDTH_____ 400in
CONT. LABEL LEN_
0in
MAX LABEL LEN___0600in
TOF DISTANCE____ 220in
PRESENT DIST____ 220in
COMMUNICATION OPTIONS
INPUT PORT________ PORT_A
BAUDRATE__________ 9600
PARITY____________ NONE
WORD LENGTH_______ 8 BIT
STOP BITS_________ 1
PROTOCOL__________ BOTH
CONTROL CODES_____ STANDARD
HARDWARE
BATTERY LEVEL___ GOOD
THERMISTOR ADC__ 64
REFLECTIVE ADC__
0
TRANSMISSIVE ADC 170
PAPEROUT ADC____
0
BASIC FUNCTIONS
PRINT METHOD______
SELECT TOF________
DARKNESS__________
LABEL PRESENT_____
CUTTER____________
RIBBON SAVER______
INTERNAL BATCH____
CONVERSION________
TOF ADJUST________
INSTALLED OPTIONS
RIBBON SAVER_____ NO
CUTTER___________ NO
OPERATION
PAUSE MODE________ DISABLE
FEEDBACK MODE_____ DISABLE
TEST MODE_________ DISABLE
TRANSFER
GAP
33
DISABLE
DISABLE
DISABLE
DISABLE
DECIMAL
64
Figure 2-2 Human Readable Self-Test Label
__________________________________________________________
Using Your Printer
27
2.3.1
Explanation of the Configuration Label
Database Information - Includes unit serial number, security
setting, firmware version I.D. number, the checksums from ROMs U28 to
U31, (if bad), the result of the RAM memory test (Good), and the amount
of RAM installed (1MB).
Counter Information - Includes the Absolute and Resetable
Counter Values. Resetable Values can be reset at any time by the user.
The Absolute Values cannot be reset. Both the Absolute and Resetable
Counters measure length, (total length of stock that has passed through
the Printer in inches), and time (total number of hours that the Printer has
been in operation).
Memory Configuration - Lists the Printer's current memory that is
allocated to the scalable fonts and internal module. The values represent
the number of 4K blocks (e.g., 15 = 60K).
Label Options - Lists all of the settings related to the printing of
labels, including the current heat setting, the Printer speed settings (print,
slew and backup speeds), the horizontal and vertical resolution,
Attributes, the row and column adjust, and other important instructions.
Hardware - Lists the current readings of the Printer's various sensors.
Installed Options - Lists the options that have been installed.
Communication Options - Describes the current communication
settings and options which include; Input Port, Baud Rate, Parity, Word
Length, Stop Bits, Protocol, Control Codes.
Operation - Indicates the operational elements that are available and
whether or not they are enabled.
Basic Functions - Lists the current settings of the Basic Function
Menu.
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28
Using Your Printer
2.4
Configuration Dot Test Pattern Label
The second of the two labels is the Test Pattern Label. This label is used
to determine whether the Printhead is in need of replacement. Examples
of 'Good' and 'Bad' Test Pattern labels are shown below:
A 'Good' test label indicates
the Printhead is operating
normally.
Streaks in the test label
indicate a dirty or faulty
Printhead.
(See Ch. 5 for cleaning, call
Service for replacement).
Figure 2-3 Printhead Test Label
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Using Your Printer
29
2.5
Character Dump Mode
After printing a System Reset Self-Test configuration test labels, the
Printer will automatically enter the "Character Dump Mode." This
mode allows the user to input strings of data and compare them with the
output data from the Printer. The test label shown below has been
designed to make troubleshooting in the dump mode easy. Repeatedly
sending this label to the Printer will uncover a buffer overflow problem (if
one exists). Overflow problems are identified by large gaps of data in the
character string.
Figure 2-4 ASCII Character Dump Label
To exit the character dump mode, simultaneously press and release the
front panel PAUSE and CANCEL buttons to perform a 'Soft Boot' (reset),
or turn the Printer’s main power OFF and then ON.
__________________________________________________________
30
Using Your Printer
2.6
Printing Test Labels
The Printer has a built in function that prints 14 test labels. This function
is useful in determining Printer faults. To print the test labels:
Press and Release the PAUSE and the FEED buttons simultaneously.
NOTE:
2.7
Labels will NOT print if the Printer is in the Character Dump
Mode. To escape from this mode press and release the
PAUSE and CANCEL buttons simultaneously. This will
cause a System Reset and return the Printer to Normal Mode
Printer Configuration Switch Settings
DIP switch S1 is a Dual In-line Package 4-position switch located on the
main PCB. It is used to release the operator panel lock-out and allow
access to the maintenance levels of the front panel menu. It also provides
termination when operating in a multidrop RS-422 communications mode
NOTE:
The DIP switch setting information is discussed in the
Maintenance Manual and should only be changed by qualified
service personnel.
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Using Your Printer
31
2.8
NV RAM
An additional 128K of Non-Volatile (NV) RAM is located internally in
the Printer. The NV RAM can be used to store label formats, fonts, and
images in the same manner as the external Memory Cartridges. This is an
internal module and is accessed as Memory Cartridge (Module) D.
2.9
Memory Cartridges (Modules)
The Printer has 2 standard 32 bit external memory cartridge slots. These
slots are located towards the rear of the Printer and may be accessed by
raising the Stock Door.
The memory cartridges used in the Printer look like PCMCIA type II
cards. However, the cartridges supplied for use with the Printer are not
the same architecture as normal PCMCIA cards, and will not work in
regular PCMCIA slots nor will actual PCMCIA cards work in the Printer
due to their 32 Bit construction, (PCMCIA uses 8 or 16 Bit construction).
The external memory cartridges are available in three different types:
O.T.P (One Time Programmable)
SRAM (1 and 2 Megabytes)
FLASH (1 and 4 Megabytes).
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32
Using Your Printer
The memory cartridges are specially designed so they can be plugged into
the Printer when the power is ON. Therefore it is not necessary to turn
the Printer off when installing or removing a cartridge.
To install a cartridge:
1. Open the Printer’s Stock door.
2. With the Cartridge label facing up, carefully seat the Cartridge into
one of the Cartridge slots, taking care as not to bend the pins in the
connector.
The upper Cartridge Slot is A and the lower is B. Slot A, B, or both may
be used.
Figure 2-5 Installing Memory Cartridge
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Using Your Printer
33
Front Panel Operation
3.0
Introduction
This chapter will explain the Front Panel operation and the various
functions that reside within the Printer's Menu.
3.1
LCD/Keypad Front Panel
The Printer is equipped with an LCD/Keypad front panel. The Front
Panel is equipped with a 2 row x 16 character LCD display and a 6 key
Operator's Keypad.
Figure 3-1 LCD/Keypad Front Panel
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34
Operation
Front Panel
The Operator's Keypad consists of 6 pressure sensitive switches. The
functionality of each keypad switch is described as follows:
KEY
SHIFT
Õ Ö
×
Ø
ENTER
CONTRAST
Function
Moves to the next available field.
Scrolls through the current menu selections.
Increments and decrements number values.
Returns to the previous menu level.
Move to the next menu level.
Selects a function or value.
Used to respond yes to an operator query.
Used to adjust the LCD display brightness.
Table 3-1 Key Functions
3.2
Using the LCD/Keypad Front Panel
The menu structure is divided into two primary menus, BASIC
FUNCTION and ADVANCED SETUP. Use the Ø arrow key to scroll
to the BASIC FUNCTION menu, then use the Õ Ö arrow keys to scroll
to the desired sub menu. Once the desired sub menu is selected, use the Ø
arrow key to scroll down to the sub-level of the desired function. Use the
Õ Ö arrow keys to display the available values. Use the ENTER key to
set the desired value or condition.
When the ENTER key is pressed, an asterisk (*) will appear indicating
the selection has been made. The asterisk (*) also indicates the current
default setting.
One of the selections at the BASIC FUNCTION sub-menu is
ADVANCED SETUP. ADVANCED SETUP allows access to the
Printer's counters, date & time, various label and system options, and
communications options. Upon exiting the ADVANCED SETUP menu
the Printer prompts 'CHANGES DEFAULT'. Pressing the ENTER key
saves the changes as defaults, pressing the × arrow key exits without
saving the changes, (except under DATE/TIME and areas where there is
no asterisk (*) used for default). Exiting without saving will cause all
changes to return to the default values when the Printer is turned off.
__________________________________________________________
Front Panel Operation
35
3.2.1
Basic Function
BASIC FUNCTION
PRINT METHOD
DIRECT
*TRANSFER
BASIC FUNCTION
SELECT TOF
*GAP
REFLECTIVE
CONTINUOUS
• Selects the type of printing desired
• Selects direct thermal printing (no ribbon)
• Selects thermal transfer printing (ribbon installed)
• Top Of Form
• Default - looks for gap between labels
• Senses black stripe of back side on media
• No Top Of Form sensing
BASIC FUNCTION
DARKNESS
• Used to balance a new Printhead level of darkness
Values 1-64 *Default =33
• 1 indicates the lightest and 64 indicates darkest setting
BASIC FUNCTION
COMM SETUP
• Set parameters for the communication port
*PORTA 9600
8 N 1 BOTH
PORTB 9600
8 N 1 BOTH
PARALLEL
BASIC FUNCTION
LABEL PRESET
ENABLE
*DISABLE
• Communications port and Baud rate
• Word length, Parity, Stop Bits, Protocol
Word length = 7, 8
Stop Bits = 1, 2
Parity = None, Even, Odd.
Protocols = BOTH, DTR, XON/XOFF
Baud rates = 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800,9600, 19200
• Selects the Peel and Present option
• Use to select present sensor
• No Present option selected
BASIC FUNCTION
CUTTER
• Controls Cutter option, if installed
ENABLE
*DISABLE
• Cutter option installed or selected
• No Cutter option installed or used
BASIC FUNCTION
RIBBON SAVER
• Controls Ribbon Saver option, if installed
ENABLE
*DISABLE
• Ribbon Saver selected (stops ribbon from advancing)
• Ribbon Saver not installed or selected.
__________________________________________________________
36
Operation
Front Panel
BASIC FUNCTION
INTERNAL BATCH
• Enables or disables the Internal Batch labeling program
BASIC FUNCTION
CONVERSION
• Used to set the Printer's system of measurement
METRIC
*DECIMAL
BASIC FUNCTION
TOF ADJUST
0 TO 128
*DEFAULT= 064
3.2.2
• Printer to make all measurements in metric values
• Printer to make all measurements in inches
• Selects the point where the label edge is detected by
the
sensor
• Set start of print from the label edge.
128 sets the start of print approximately .3 inches from
the label edge
Advanced Setup
ADVANCED SETUP
COUNTERS
ABSOLUTE VALUES
RESETABLE VALUES
RESET COUNTERS
ADVANCED SETUP
DATE/TIME
• Allows access to Printer Counters
• Non-resetable counter (view only by this function)
• User resetable counter (can keep track of labels)
• Resets the Printer's Resetable Counters to 0
• Allows current date and time to be set
SET DAY NAME day
hh:mm a dd mon yy
ADVANCED SETUP
LABEL OPTIONS
HEAT SETTING
PRINT SPEED
SLEW SPEED
BACKFEED SPEED
HORIZONTAL RES
VERTICAL RES
ATTRIBUTES
ROW ADJUST
• Allows access to various label options
• Values: 00 to 20 *10 default (0 = lightest, 20
=darkest)
• Values:
6" Printer: 2ips to 8ips (Print speed/ inches per sec.)
8" Printer: 2ips to 5ips (Print speed/ inches per sec.)
• Values:
6" Printer: 2ips to 8ips (Print speed/ inches per sec.)
8" Printer: 2ips to 5ips (Print speed/ inches per sec.)
• Values 2ips to 5ips (rate the printer backs up label)
• Values 150dpi and 300dpi (dot print width resolution)
• Values 75dpi, 150dpi, 300dpi (dot print height
resolution)
• *XOR, TRANSPARENT, OPAQUE
• Vertical position where printing begins (shifts up)
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Front Panel Operation
37
COLUMN ADJUST
• Values 0 t o 600
__________________________________________________________
38
Operation
Front Panel
CUT BY AMOUNT
LABEL WIDTH
CONT. LABEL LEN
MAX LABEL LEN
TOF DISTANCE
PRESENT DIST
• Values: 0001 to 9999 (number of labels printed before
a cut)
• Values:
6" Printer: 200 to 640 (2.0" to 6.4") print width
8" Printer: 300 to 850 (3.0" to 8.5") print width
• Values: 0000 to 9999 (00.00" to 99.99") (Label/page
length)
• Amount of labels when the sensor does not sense a gap
• Distance from the TOF sensor to the Printhead
• Distance from the Printhead to where the label stops
ADVANCED SETUP
SYSTEM OPTIONS
• Allows access to Printer's system options
FACTORY SETTING
SECURITY CHECK
• Returns the Printer to its original factory settings.
• Selects security features to protect Advanced Setup
PASSWORD
DIP SWITCH #1
NONE
* Default
MODIFY PASSWORD
SERIAL NUMBER
INTERNAL MODULE
0 - 1000
SCALABLE FONT
0, 15 - 1000
SYMBOL SET
28 SELECTIONS
• Allows the user to change the entry password
• Used to assign an 8-digit numeric serial number
• Internal Module (ID-A). Memory size - 4K blocks
ADVANCED SETUP
OPERATION
• Allows access to various operational modes
PAUSE MODE
ENABLE
DISABLE
FEEDBACK MODE
ENABLE
DISABLE
TEST MODE
ENABLE
DISABLE
• Scalable font set selection. See Programmers manual
• Scalable font symbol set selection. See Programmers
manual
• Suspends printing between each label (until pause
button is pressed)
• Returns ASCII charac. 30 after each label and charac.
31 after each batch of labels are printed
• Sends debug characters to Host while printing
__________________________________________________________
Front Panel Operation
39
ADVANCED SETUP
COMMUNICATIONS
SERIAL PORT A
CONTROL CODES
• Allows access to communication variables
• Standard and Alternate control codes
SERIAL PORT B
CONTROL CODES
PARALLEL PORT
CONTROL CODES
PORT DIRECTION
ADVANCED SETUP
MAINTENANCE
• Standard and Alternate control codes
• Standard and Alternate control codes
• Allows access to various test modes and configurations
TEST PRINT
CURRENT CONFIG
DATABASE CONFIG
TEST RIBBON
TEST PATTERN
PRINTHEAD TEST
•
•
•
•
•
FRONT PANEL
LED TEST
KEYPAD TEST
DISPLAY TEST
• Exercises the front panel indicator LEDs
• Checks the operation of the front panel keypad
• Exercises the front panel LCD display
TEST I/O
MONITOR GP INPUT
TEST GP OUTPUT
SENSOR READINGS
DIGITAL SENSORS
•
•
•
•
Sample Display
HD CT LP RS RM
8
D U N D 0
Prints a configuration test label of all current values
Prints a configuration label of default values
Test reflects the status of the ribbon type
Prints label with a test pattern (to check dot elements)
Prints Printhead Dot Element Test Label
Allows monitoring of the General Purpose input
Allows testing of the General Purpose output
Displays the status of the digital and analog sensors
Displays digital sensors with active values below them
•H
• CT
• LP
• RS
• RM
= HEAD
=CUTTER
=PRESENT LABEL
=RIBBON SAVER
=RIBBON MOTION
D=Down
D=Down
Y=Blocked
D=Down
1=Blocked
U=Up
U=Up
N=Not Blocked
U=Up
0=Not Blocked
• Displays 4 analog sensors with sensor values below each
ANALOG SENSORS
Sample Display
THR REF TRAN PO
8
62
0
208 0
SERIAL LOOPBACK
SERIAL PORT A
SERIAL PORT B
THR=THERMAL
REF=REFLECTIVE
TRAN=TRANSMISSIVE
P= PAPEROUT
• Serial loopback connector must be in installed for test
__________________________________________________________
40
Operation
Front Panel
INSTALLED OPTION
CUTTER
RIBBON SAVER
• Lists the currently installed options that are enabled
* = installed
__________________________________________________________
Front Panel Operation
41
ADVANCED SETUP
MODULES
PRINT DIRECTORY
PRINT FILE
COPY MODULE
FORMAT MODULE
TEST MODULE
• The optional modules are available;
Module Slot A - External Flash, RAM, or Font Cartridge
Module Slot B - External Flash, RAM, or Font Cartridge
Module D - Internal Non-Volatile RAM
•
•
•
•
•
Prints contents of selected memory modules
Prints Label, Font, or Image from selected module
Copies data from one module to another
Formats the selected memory modules
Tests Read/Write operation of selected modules
__________________________________________________________
42
Operation
Front Panel
__________________________________________________________
Front Panel Operation
43
Printing Labels
4.0
Introduction
The Printer can be used in any one of three different operating modes:
A LINK MC2 or compatible CRT with Internal Batch Software, a
stand-alone label creation package developed especially for the Printer
A PC with a compatible software package
RS-232 to a host computer.
This chapter describes all three operating modes. The Printer's internal
labeling software program works much like the PC-Batch software
package, but uses Internal Batch modules instead of a hard or floppy disk
drive to store and retrieve label formats. The program is easy to learn and
operate. Only two screens are used to create or modify and print labels. A
system maintenance screen is included for printing test labels, copying and
formatting memory modules, and performing several other functions. You
can purchase as many Internal Batch modules as you need for your
applications. They essentially provide you with unlimited memory
capacity.
__________________________________________________________
44
Printing Labels
4.1
Printer Used With a Link CRT
Four steps are required before label formatting and printing can begin.
The following pages explain these steps.
Connect Cables
Verify that the LINK CRT and the Printer main power switches are OFF.
Connect the LINK CRT terminal to the Printer with the supplied cable.
Plug in the supplied power cords for the Printer and the LINK CRT
terminal.
NOTE:
The Printer connects to the LINK MAIN port, not the LINK
parallel port.
Check LINK CRT Settings
The LINK CRT is shipped ready for use with the Printer. The settings
are pre-set and should be changed only when necessary. If the terminal's
settings have been changed since shipment from the factory, follow the
terminal's set-up procedure to reset all default values. For reference, the
default values are listed in Table 4-1. The Printer will set all remaining
parameters; however, these settings are not saved in the CRT's RAM. To
save them, follow the CRT's "save changes" routine after normal
operation is established.
Function
Handshake:
Mode:
Data Bits:
Stop Bits:
Parity:
Baud Rate:
Keys:
Blk End:
Auto NL:
CR:
Compatible:
Settings
NONE
FDX
8
1
NONE
9600
US
US/CR
ON
CR
LINK MC 2
Table 4-1
Function
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
Settings
CTRL W
CTRL X
CTRL Y
CTRL Z
ALT S
ALT P
ALT I
ALT X
ALT F
LINK CRT Settings
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
45
Select a Stand-Alone Labeling Software Mode
The Printer is shipped in the RS-232 mode for use with PCs. To use the
CRT; set the INTERNAL BATCH function (located within the operators
menu tree) to 'ENABLE' and insert a memory cartridge into the Printer's
slot A or B before turning the power on, or the internal 128K NVRAM
can be used in place of the module. Verify that 9600 baud is selected by
accessing the Printers Communication menu as described in Chapter 3.
When the Printer is turned on it will recognize that the module has been
formatted and run the Internal Batch program. The following screen will
appear:
BATCH SYSTEM INITIALIZATION
ENTER:
F1:
ESC:
START BATCH
TEST & FORMAT MEMORY MODULE.
EXIT TO RS-232 MODE.
ENTER CHOICE:
Press the 'ENTER' key to start Internal Batch Mode, or 'F1' to format a
module. In either case a menu of available modules will appear. A valid
module (A - L) must be selected before continuing. Pressing the 'ESC'
key will exit Internal Batch Mode and start the Printer software.
If the 'ENTER' option was selected the PRINT LABEL screen will
appear.
__________________________________________________________
46
Printing Labels
If the 'F1' option was selected, the program will verify if the module has
been formatted. If it has, the message "THIS MODULE IS ALREADY
FORMATTED, ARE YOU SURE? N" will appear. To abort the format
press 'ENTER', to proceed press 'Y'. The program will then test and
format the selected module. If an error is encountered a message will
appear.
NOTE:
Be sure to turn the module's Write Protect Switch to the OFF
position. Label formats cannot be sent to the module if the
switch is in the ON position. To prevent accidental changes
or modifications to formats, turn the Write Protect Switch to
the ON position.
Verify Setup, Power Up, and Load Media
Check that all connections are made and that the INTERNAL BATCH
function is set to ENABLE. Turn on the CRT and Printer power
switches. Press the F1 key on the CRT several times. The CREATE/
MODIFY LABEL and PRINT LABEL screens should toggle back and
forth. If they don’t, re-check the CRT settings, the interface cable, and
verify that power is applied to both the Printer and CRT. If the screens
still do not appear, contact your Printer sales representative. Remember,
if the module has not been formatted for Internal Batch, the set up screen
will appear until you select the TEST & FORMAT MEMORY
MODULE option. If steps 1-4 have been successfully completed, load
the Printer with media.
Formatting labels is designed to be a simple process and requires no
special operator training. The procedure involves three steps:
(1) Selecting an operating screen
(2) Specifying where on the label you want to place text and/or bar
codes
(3) Printing the actual labels.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
47
4.1.1
Formatting and Printing Labels
Available Fonts and Bar Codes
Available character font sizes and bar codes are illustrated and explained
in Appendix B. Each font and bar code has a name associated with it for
use in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen. Alphanumeric fonts are 0
through 9. Human readable bar codes are uppercase A through T, except
p (Postnet). Bar codes without human readable interpretation lines are
lowercase a through u, and "z" is PDF 417. All fonts and bar codes can
be magnified in height and width. Multiplication parameters and resulting
character sizes are listed in Appendix B.
Menu Screens
Three menu screens are available in the Printer's internal labeling software
program. The three screens are as follows:
1. CREATE/MODIFY LABEL
2. PRINT LABEL
3. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Function Keys
Nine function keys labeled F1 to F9 are used extensively in the label
formatting process. Some functions can also be controlled by the ALT
keys. To use the ALT functions, press and hold the ALT key at the same
time as you press another key. The ALT functions and the function keys
include the following functions:
__________________________________________________________
48
Printing Labels
F1 or ESC (SWITCH) - Toggles between the PRINT and
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screens. F1 can be used only in the LABEL
NAME: position of the CREATE/MODIFY or PRINT screens.
F2 (LIST) - Displays a library listing of every label format and/or
graphic image loaded in the current memory module. F2 can be used only
when the prompt is in the LABEL NAME: position of the
CREATE/MODIFY or PRINT screens.
The first screen displays batch label files. When the screen is filled, press
the 'ENTER' key to display the directory of Image files or press 'ESC' to
go back to the CREATE/MODIFY screen.
BATCH FILES: MODULE: A
FILE1
FILE2
MEMORY AVAILABLE: 99%
FILE3
PRESS <CR> TO CONTINUE.....
IMAGE FILES: MODULE: A
FILE1
FILE2
MEMORY AVAILABLE: 99%
FILE3
PRESS <CR> TO CONTINUE.....
The top of each screen shows which file type, (batch or image), is being
displayed, the currently selected module, and the amount of available
memory.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
49
F3 (COPY) - Used in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen only. Enter
a new label name, then press the F3 key.
The message "COPY LABEL (Y/N) N" will appear. Press Y to continue
or 'ENTER' to abort. If 'Y' was pressed, the program will ask for the
name of the file to be copied.
Enter the name of an existing label already in memory and press the
ENTER key. A new label is then created with the same data as the source
label, which allows immediate editing of the new label format. The F3
COPY feature, (if used during an edit session), will copy the current field
record to a new field record.
F4 (KILL) - Used in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen only. Enter
an existing label name, followed by the F4 key. The message "REMOVE
LABEL? (Y/N)" will appear. Answer yes or no with the Y or N key. If
Y, and the WRITE PROTECT SWITCH is OFF, the label is permanently
removed from the memory module. When creating or modifying a label
format use the F4 kill feature to delete the currently selected format line
one at a time.
F5 and ALT-S - Calls up the SYSTEM MAINTENANCE screen.
F6 and ALT-P - While in the SAMPLE print request position of the
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen or the PRINT LABEL screen, press
ALT-P to bring up the PRINT PARAMETERS windows. Refer to
Figure 4-1.
__________________________________________________________
50
Printing Labels
PRINT ADJUSTMENT
HEAT FACTOR:
PRINT SPEED:
SLEW SPEED:
DOT PATTERN (5 mil):
LABEL ADVANCE:
FORM EDGE OFFSET:
ROW OFFSET:
COLUMN OFFSET:
COUNT BY:
MAX. LABEL WIDTH:
MAX. LABEL LENGTH:
CONTINUOUS FORM:
CUT BY (# PER CUT):
SENSOR TYPE:
10
I
I
1 X 1
02.20
02.20
00.00
00.00
01
06.40
12.00
NO
0001
EDGE
Figure 4-1 ALT-P Screen
Print parameters include row and column offsets, label edge offset, label
backfeed position, pixel (dot) size, heat setting, etc.( see Table 4-2). Use
the arrow keys to move from one position to the next. Key in any values
that need to be changed. Press the ESC key to exit the window.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
51
Description
Heat Factor
Print Speed
Default
10
I
Slew Speed
I
Dot Pattern Wide
Dot Pattern High
Label Advance
(Back Feed)
Form Edge Offset
Row Offset
Column Offset
Update Count On
Max. Label Width
Max. Label Length
Cut By Amount
1
1
220
220
000
000
01
640
1200
0001
Range
0 to 20
6" Printer: C to O
8" Printer: C to I
6" Printer: C to O
8" Printer: C to I
1 or 2
1 to 3
Form Edge Offset to
Form Edge Offset + 200
050 to 999
000 to 999
000 to 640
01 to 99
050 to 640
0500 to 9999
0001 to 9999
Table 4-2 Print Parameters
If ALT-P parameters are changed while in the CREATE/MODIFY
LABEL screen, the changes are saved with the label format. If they are
changed in the PRINT LABEL screen, they are not saved and will affect
only the current print job. Changing parameters in the PRINT LABEL
screen is useful when testing a new label to determine optimum print
parameter settings for that particular format.
F7 and ALT-I - This function is used in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL
screen to insert a new field description line between existing field
description lines on the screen. It is especially useful when the REPEAT
function is used and other lines on the screen are already below the field to
be repeated.
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52
Printing Labels
F8 and ALT-X - May be pressed while the cursor is located on a line item
entry field of the CREATE screen. It will go to the PRINT/LABEL
screen using a pre-set quantity of 1 for the purpose of printing a test label.
F9 and ALT-F - Feeds one label at a time. It operates the same way as
the front panel FEED switch. This function is useful when loading new
media to register the photoelectric sensor.
Other Important Keys
Several other keys are used in the editing and printing steps. These keys
have the following functions:
1. RETURN: Enters an answer for the prompt and moves the cursor to
the next position if the answer is acceptable.
2. ARROW KEYS: Used to move the cursor left, right, up, and down
in the CREATE/MODIFY and PRINT screens.
3. ESC: Ends the formatting for a particular label and returns the
cursor to the top of the screen. The ESC key allows the F1 key to be
used to switch screens and to exit ALT-S and ALT-P screens.
4. BACKSPACE: Erases one character at a time.
5. HOME or F4: Deletes the current line on the CREATE/MODIFY
screen and moves the cursor to the beginning of the next field.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
53
4.1.2
Create/Modify Label Screen
This section describes how to create a new label. Before beginning, a
good tool to have on hand is a ruler marked in tenths of an inch because
all label format print positions are specified in tenths and hundredths of an
inch. The procedure for creating a new label follows:
1. Power up the CRT terminal with the switch on the front of the unit.
Turn the Printer on with the POWER switch located in the back of the
Printer. If a good BATCH module is present the CRT screen will
look like this:
F1:SWITCH F2:LIST F5:MAINT F6:PARM
PRINT LABEL
MODULE NAME: modname_____
LABEL NAME: ____________
QUANTITY: ØØØØ
Figure 4-2 Print Label Screen Header
__________________________________________________________
54
Printing Labels
Press the F1 key, and the screen will look like this:
F1:SWITCH F2:LIST F3:COPY F4:KILL F5:MAINT F6:PARM F7:INS F8:SAMPL F9:FEED
FIELD # 000
MODULE: A
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL
MODULE NAME: modname
LABEL NAME: --------------------
ROT
FNT
XW
XH
BH
ROW
COL
TYPE
DATA/PROMPT
---
---
--
--
----
----
----
-----
---------------
Figure 4-3 Create/Modify Label Screen Header
2. The software has only two operating screens, CREATE/MODIFY
LABEL and PRINT LABEL. Both have already appeared on your
CRT. All data is entered into the fields, (a field is a set of
information such as a product name, address, bar code, consecutive
number, and so on, that is specified on individual lines on the CRT
screen). Because fields are independent of each other, it is possible,
and sometimes desirable, to place two or more fields on the same
horizontal or vertical measurement. Be careful not to print one field
over another.
The upper-right hand corner of the screen displays the current selected
module. The upper left-hand corner of the screen displays the current
FIELD NUMBER. This program can accommodate up to 200 fields
per format. Use the RETURN key, or arrow keys, to move the cursor
around within the 200 fields, one field at a time. A sample label
format is illustrated in Figure 4. To CREATE a label, press the F1
key to return to the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen. The cursor
will be in the LABEL NAME position.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
55
F1:SWITCH F2:LIST F3:COPY F4:KILL F5:MAINT F6:PARM F7:INS F8:SAMPL F9:FEED
FIELD # 001
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL
MODULE NAME: MY MODULE
LABEL NAME: -------------------ROT
FNT
---
---
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
X
6
X
Y
a
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
X
X
X
0
XW
ROW
COL
TYPE
-- -- ----
XH
----
----
----- -------------------------
2
1
2
1
1
6
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
03.70
03.60
00.30
00.20
01.50
01.35
01.20
03.20
03.00
02.70
02.50
02.20
02.00
01.90
02.40
02.90
00.00
00.20
00.10
00.20
00.15
02.85
00.15
00.65
00.20
00.20
00.20
00.20
00.20
00.20
00.10
00.13
00.13
00.15
2
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
BH
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.40
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
DATA/PROMPT
NYLON INSULATED TOGGLE SWITCH
B370040003003
DA100-PB-B
L400080
SW5
DA100 PB B
DA100 PB B
SWITCH ACTION
SPST ON-NONE-OFF
TERMINALS
SOLDER/SPADE
RATING
@ 10 AMPS, 125VAC
B200160003003
L194003
L194003
LABEL PRINTER
Figure 4-4 Sample Label Format
3. Enter an alphanumeric name of up to 16 characters for this label,
followed by the RETURN key. If the name entered does not already
exist on the module the message "NEW LABEL FORMAT?"
appears. Answer Y for yes if you wish to create a label by this name,
or answer N for no. If yes, the cursor moves to the ROT position.
__________________________________________________________
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Printing Labels
4. The Printer can print fonts and bar codes at 0, 90, 180, or 270
degrees rotation. Valid responses to the ROT prompt include:
1
2
3
4
=
=
=
=
0
90
180
270
degrees
degrees
degrees
degrees
5. In the FNT position, enter the type of font you want to print. This
can be an alphanumeric font or a bar code. Enter one of the
following:
a. An alphanumeric font type, followed by the RETURN key.
Choices are 0 through 8. See Appendix B for examples of each
available font type and for the actual printed size of the various
fonts using different multiplication factors.
b. An alphanumeric CG Triumvirate font type, followed by the
RETURN key. The only choice is 9. See Appendix B for
examples of each available font type and for the actual printed
size of the font using different multiplication factors. The point
size is selected in the bar code height field.
c. A bar code followed by the RETURN key. For bar codes that
include the human-readable interpretation line choices use
uppercase A through T, except for p (Postnet). For bar codes
without human readable lines, choices are lowercase a through u,
and z (PDF 417). See Appendix B for examples of each available
bar code.
d. X selects a special option for drawing lines, boxes, circles, and
polygons. More information is necessary for drawing these
shapes and must be entered into the DATA/PROMPT field.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
57
e. Y selects a graphic image that has already been loaded into the
memory module. The name of the graphic image must be entered
in the DATA/PROMPT field. (Note: The graphic image name is
case sensitive for upper and lower case characters (i.e., the name
“LOGO” is not the same as the name “logo”.
NOTE:
If any letter or number is entered in the FNT
position other than those specified above, the
entry will not be accepted.
After entering the desired font, the cursor will move to the XW position.
6. The XW and XH positions are used to magnify widths and heights of
fonts and to change the X/Y ratio of bar codes.
a. To magnify the width of a font, enter 1 through 9, or A through O
(A=10, B=11, etc.). The default value for fonts is 1.
b. To magnify the width of a bar code, enter 1 through 9, or A
through O. The default is 3 for ratio-based bar codes, 2 for fonts
Q & R, and 1 for all other bar code fields. For bar codes, each
number is equal to 5mm. (If the pixel width is set to 1, the result
will be a 5 mm. wide bar. If set to 2, the result will be a 10-mm.
wide bar. Pixel sizes are entered in the PRINT PARAMETERS
screen.
c. Enter the desired XW (width) dimension and press the RETURN
key. The cursor will move to the XH position.
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58
Printing Labels
7. Enter the desired XH (height) dimension and press the RETURN key.
All values and limits are the same as for the XW dimension. The
cursor will move to the BH (bar height) position.
a. If you wish to magnify the width of a font, valid responses are 1
through 9 and A through O. The default value is 1 for fonts.
b. If you wish to magnify the width of a bar code, valid responses
are 1 through 9 and A through O. The default is 3 for ratiobased bar codes, 2 for fonts Q & R, and 1 for all other bar code
fields. If the pixel width is 1, the result will be a 3 mil narrow
bar. If the pixel width is 2, the result will be a 6 mil narrow bar.
Pixel sizes by label format are specified in the PRINT
PARAMETERS screen.
c. Enter the desired XH dimension and press the RETURN key.
The cursor will move to the bar height (BH) position.
8. In the BH position, a 3-digit number defines the printed bar height for
the field or defines a smooth font.
a. For UPC/EAN bar codes the default value is 080 (0.80 in. or
20mm). For all other bar code fields, the default value is 040
(0.40 in. or 10mm). For all alphanumeric fonts, the BH value is
set at 000.
b. A 9 entered in the FNT position selects a smooth font. The
actual size (in points) is set by entering a value in the BH
position. Enter the desired bar height and press the RETURN
key. The cursor will move to the ROW position.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
59
9. The 4-digit ROW field tells the Printer how far up on the label to
print the data. The default value is 00.00 and the maximum number
cannot exceed the maximum label length set in the PRINT
PARAMETERS window. Use the bottom left corner as the starting
point for ROW and COLUMN.
a. To select a height, enter a number (no more than four digits) followed
by the RETURN key. If the measurement entered is acceptable, the
cursor will move to the COL position.
b. When specifying measurements, always measure to the bottom of the
field. For example, if using font 6 the measurement will be to the
bottom of the alphanumeric letters. If using a bar code, the
measurement will be to the bottom of the bar code's human readable
line. If the bar code being printed does not have a human readable
line, measure to the bottom of the bars.
c. When rotating a bar code or alphanumeric field, the ROW
measurement is specified as the amount of space from the starting
point of the label to the top of the field.
10. The 4-digit COLUMN number tells the Printer "how far over" from
the left edge of the label that the data is to be printed. Enter a number
no longer than four digits in this field, then press the RETURN key.
The cursor will move to the TYPE position.
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60
Printing Labels
11. The TYPE position tells the Printer how the DATA/PROMPT area is
to be used. There are six options.
a. The most common TYPE is D for data, this tells the Printer that
fixed data will be entered in this field. In other words, any alpha
and/or numeric characters entered in the DATA/PROMPT
position will be printed on the label exactly as entered. After
pressing the D key, the cursor will move to the DATA/PROMPT
position. Enter the data to be printed on the label and press the
RETURN key. Type 'D' is specified when using special font X
for lines, boxes, and illustrations. It is also specified when using
special font Y for graphics. The graphic name must be entered
with up to 16 upper case characters.
b. Press the 'P' key to signify that "this is a prompt." Any data
typed in the DATA/PROMPT position will reappear prompting
an entry on the PRINT LABEL screen. This allows a label
format to be set up ahead of time, but with the ability to change
variable information every time that format is printed.
For example, if printing inventory labels that contain the same
information (e.g. company name, date) and are located in the
same position on every label, but the stock number for the part
may change approximately every 100 labels. The stock number
field could be set up as a prompt by entering in the phrase
"ENTER STOCK NUMBER" in the DATA/PROMPT position.
Every time that format is selected in the PRINT LABEL screen,
the phrase "ENTER STOCK NUMBER" appears. The desired
stock number can be entered for that label run and the new
information will be printed on every label.
c. Enter one of the following symbols to signify a consecutive
number or alpha character:
+ for numeric increment
- for numeric decrement
> for alpha increment
< for alpha decrement
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
61
If any of these symbols are entered in the TYPE position, you will
be printing either incrementing or decrementing numbers or letters
in the label position you specified earlier in this field. Information
entered in the DATA/PROMPT field in the next step will tell the
Printer the increment value that you want to use. When viewing
the PRINT LABEL screen, it will ask "INITIAL
INCREMENT?" or "INITIAL DECREMENT?" The number
you enter at this time will be incremented or decremented every
time a label is printed.
The number of labels to be printed with the same number before
an increment or decrement occurs can be set with the ALT-P
command as described earlier. The default value is 1.
d. Press the 'C' key to signify a comment. Any data entered in the
DATA/PROMPT position will appear on the PRINT LABEL
screen as a comment. This function is useful in giving the
operator special instructions, (i.e., how to load a particular type
of media for the labels to be printed). Comment fields do not
affect the printing of the label.
e. Press the R key to request a repeat of the previous field's data.
f. Press the T key to print the time and date.
After entering any one of the above choices, the cursor will move
to the DATA/PROMPT position.
12. In the DATA/PROMPT position, there are six options:
a. If D was selected in the preceding step, enter the desired data or
label length settings.
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62
Printing Labels
Special Font X: Drawing Font for Line, Box, Circle and Polygon. The
required information is entered in the following formats:
NOTE:
Reverse printing is accomplished by printing a very high, or
wide, solid line. Text placed at the same coordinates (inside
the line) is reversed with white letters on a black background.
LINES:
Lhhhvvv
Where, L = "L" and specifies line drawing,
hhh = horizontal width of line,
vvv = vertical height of line.
LINES:
lhhhhvvvv
Where, l = "l" and specifies line drawing
hhhh = horizontal width of line
vvvv = vertical height of line
BOXES:
Bhhhvvvbbbsss
Where, B = "B" and specifies box drawing
hhh = horizontal width of box
vvv = vertical height of box
bbb = thickness of bottom and top box edge
sss = thickness of sides of box
BOXES:
bhhhhvvvvbbbbssss
Where, b = "b" specifies box drawing
hhhh = horizontal width of box
vvvv = vertical height of box
bbbb = thickness of bottom and top box edges
ssss = thickness of sides of box
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
63
CIRCLES:
11ppprrrrccccC1111111rrrr
Where, 1 must be entered at the places indicated.
ppp = a fill pattern type
rrrr = row number for the circle center point
cccc = column number for center point
C = circle’s ID number
RRRR = Radius
POLYGONS
11ppprrrrccccP1111111rrrrcccc.....
Where, 1 must be entered where indicated.
ppp = a fill pattern type
rrrr = row number for the first point
cccc = column number for first point
P = Polygon ID
rrrr = row number for the second point
cccc = column number for second point
.... - Continue until all points are entered
NOTE:
The points must be specified in the order that they are to
be drawn. The last point specified is automatically
connected to the first point specified, thereby closing the
polygon. If only 2 points are specified, a single line is drawn.
Special Font Y: Enter the name of the graphic image you want to call
from the memory module for printing at this field position. You can enter
up to 16 uppercase characters.
b. Enter the desired PROMPT information. The field allows up to 44
characters to be entered.
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64
Printing Labels
c. Enter the desired consecutive number fill character and increment
value. This field has the format 'xnn' with the following parameters:
x = fill character. It can be any character, including a space. For
example, if * is entered, all insignificant characters will be filled with
"*" If 0 is entered, the field will fill with 0's.
nn = increment value desired. If 01 is entered, it will increment by ones
(i.e. 1, 2, 3 etc.). If 02 is entered, it will increment by two's (i.e. 1, 3,
5, 7 etc.). nn can be any value up to 99.
An entry of 02 will print like this:
02
04
06
08
10
Once in the PRINT LABEL screen, the operator is prompted for an initial
increment or decrement value. The value entered is the starting value for
that particular run of labels. As a separate function, an increment every
"x" number of labels can be set in the PRINT PARAMETERS screen
(ALT-P).
d. For comment fields, enter the data you wish to have appear on the
PRINT screen in the DATA/PROMPT field.
e. For repeat fields, enter the data in the DATA/PROMPT field just as if
the field were a type D field. Place a ^ character in the data string at
the place you wish to insert the data from the previous field into this
field.
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Printing Labels
65
f. For the time and date to be printed on the label enter the data as shown
in the following example: Time and date string data are selected by
using characters A through Z and a through f as shown in Table 3 in
order to retrieve data from Printer's internal clock.
w
A
d
Q
W
B
y
R
W
C
y
S
W
D
y
T
m
E
y
U
m
F
h
V
w
W
Day of the week
(1 = MON)
Day of week name
mm
M
2 digit month
Month name
dd
yyyy
2 digit day
4 digit year
M
G
h
W
M
H
H
X
M
I
H
Y
hh
H
H
nn
aa
jjj
M
J
n
Z
M
K
n
a
M
L
a
b
M
M
a
c
M
N
j
d
M
O
j
e
d
P
j
f
2 digit hour (24 hour
format)
2 digit hour (12 hour
format)
2 digit minutes
AM or PM (12 hour
format)
3 digit Julian date
Table 4-3 Time and Date Information Format
In the following example the proper matching characters are sent to
Printer that request the day of week and date to be printed. This
command causes the Printer to enter the date formatting mode. Spaces
and punctuation appear as shown in the example.
Sample:
Prints:
BCD GHI PQ , RSTU <CR>
TUE DEC 27 , 1993
After entering the desired data, prompt, comment, or consecutive number
information, press the RETURN key. The cursor will move to the next
line on the screen for another field of information.
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66
Printing Labels
13. Enter additional fields of information as desired. To print a sample
label, press the ALT-X key and the PRINT screen will appear. Press
ENTER again and a sample label will be printed. Then the
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen will return.
After all fields are completed, press the 'ESC' key from any field in the
ROT column. This brings the cursor back to the LABEL NAME
position.
14. To print a quantity of the label you defined, press the F1 key
(SWITCH). The PRINT LABEL screen will appear.
4.1.3
Print Label Screen
The PRINT LABEL screen is used to print labels that have been
formatted and/or modified in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen.
From the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen, press the F1 key to toggle
to the PRINT LABEL screen. The screen should look like this:
PRINT LABEL
MODULE NAME: MY MODULE
LABEL NAME: ________________
QUANTITY: 0000
Figure 4-5 Print Label Screen
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
67
When viewing the PRINT LABEL screen, the procedure for printing a
label is as follows:
1. Enter the LABEL NAME you want to print and press the RETURN
key. The cursor will move to the QUANTITY position. If the
Printer does not find the label name you entered, you will receive an
error message and the label name will need to be re-entered. When in
the LABEL NAME position, you can use the F2 key (LIST) to list all
of the names currently available in the memory module.
2. Enter the quantity of labels to print, (not more than four digits long),
and press the RETURN key. The maximum number of labels per run
is 9999.
3. Depending on how the label is set up, the cursor may move to the
INITIAL INCREMENT or INITIAL DECREMENT position if a
consecutive number or letter was specified as a data type. Or, the
cursor may move to a prompting position if a P was specified as a
data type. Enter the starting number or the prompt information,
followed by the RETURN key, for each consecutive number or
prompt. After this information is entered, the cursor will move to the
SAMPLE? position.
4. In the SAMPLE? position, there are the following choices:
a. Print a sample label to check data placement by pressing the Y key
for yes. A sample label will print and the cursor will return to the
SAMPLE? position. At this point, you can proceed to step b or
stop the run by pressing the up arrow key to move the cursor back
to the LABEL NAME position. Press the F1 key to re-edit your
format in the CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen.
b. If you do not need a sample, press the N key or the RETURN key
for no. The number of labels you requested will be printed. After
the print job request is sent to the Printer, the cursor will move
back to the LABEL NAME position. Additional print jobs can
now be sent to the Printer, or you can return to the
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL screen.
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68
Printing Labels
4.1.4
System Maintenance Screen
The third screen, SYSTEM MAINTENANCE, is used to format and copy
memory modules, print test labels, and perform several other maintenance
functions.
To access the screen in the LABEL NAME position of the
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL or PRINT LABEL screens, use ALT-S.
The screen will look like this:
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
1>
MODULE SELECTION & FORMATTING.
2>
COPY MODULE.
3>
METRIC ? NO.
4>
PRINT TEST LABEL.
5>
SYSTEM TEST LABEL.
6>
EDIT MODULE NAME.
7>
RESET PRINTER.
8>
EXIT TO RS-232 SYSTEM.
9>
PACK MODULE DATA.
Figure 4-6 System Maintenance Menu
To exit the screen, press the ESC key. All SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
screen choices are explained below:
1. MODULE SELECTION & FORMATTING: Used to format or
reformat the memory module. Tests the memory module to see if it is
functioning and if it is capable of erasing and loading data.
WARNING:
This test destroys all the existing memory module data.
Follow the prompts to perform the test.
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
69
2. COPY MODULE: Copies graphic images and/or label formats from
one memory module to another. Be certain that the WRITE
PROTECT SWITCH is ON for the source module and OFF for the
destination module. Follow the screen prompts to perform the copy
routine.
3. METRIC: Each time the number 3 is pressed, the screen will toggle
between METRIC NO and METRIC YES. When in the METRIC
mode, all references to dimensions will be in METRIC measure.
4. PRINT TEST LABEL: Prints a Printhead Test Label, and is used
as a relative gauge of Printhead condition and wear.
5. SYSTEM TEST LABEL: Lists all current Printer settings and
checks both ROM and RAM. Prints a Printhead Test Label after the
system test.
6. EDIT MODULE NAME: This will allow you to change the name
of the module.
7. RESET PRINTER: This is the same as the <SOH #> command in
the standard Printer mode.
8. EXIT TO RS-232 SYSTEM: This is useful if you are connecting
an A/B switch box to the CRT and a PC at the same time for
downloading graphic images to memory modules. The <STX> g
command can be used to enter the Internal Batch Mode.
9. PACK MODULE DATA: All the label formats are stored in a
memory module. This means that selective memory erasing is
impossible, only the entire module can be cleared. The way to change
or erase is by flagging the format and not actually erasing it. For this
reason, occasionally the data will need to be packed from time to time
when the memory becomes low.
__________________________________________________________
70
Printing Labels
4.1.5
Quick Reference Listing
The following pages list the valid commands for the Printer's internal
labeling software program.
CREATE/MODIFY LABEL COMMANDS
Command
ROT
FNT
XW
XH
BH
ROW
COL
TYPE
Valid Inputs
1,2,3, and 4
Fonts 0 through 8 Smooth Font 9
Human Readable
Bar Codes Uppercase A through S, Except p
(Postnet)
Non-Human Readable Bar Codes Lowercase a
through u & z (PDF 417)
X = Boxes and Lines
Y = Graphics
1 through 9, and A through O
1 through 9, and A through O
0.00 to 9.99
00.00 to 99.99
00.00 to 04.10
D = Data, P = Prompt, C = Comment, R = Repeat,
T=Time and Date
+,-, <,> = Consecutive Numbering and Alpha
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
71
PRINT PARAMETERS (ALT-P)
Description
Heat Factor
Print Speed
Default
10
I
Slew Speed
I
Dot Pattern Wide
Dot Pattern High
Form Edge Offset
Form Advance
(Back Feed)
Row Offset
Column Offset
Update Count On
Max. Label Width
Max. Label Length
Cut By Amount
Sensor Type
1
1
220
220
000
000
01
640
1200
0001
EDGE
Range
0 to 20
6" Printer: C to O
8" Printer: C to I
6" Printer: C to O
8" Printer: C to I
1 or 2
1 to 3
050 to 999
Form Edge Offset to
Form Edge Offset +
000 to 999
000 to 640
01 to 99
050 to 640
0500 to 9999
0001 to 9999
EDGE/REFLECTIVE
SPECIAL KEYS
Key
F1 ESC
F2
F3
F4
F5 ALT-S
F6 ALT-P
F7 ALT-I
F8 ALT-X
F9 ALT-F
ESC
HOME
Function
Switch
List
Copy
Kill
System Maintenance
Print Parameters Screen
Insert Format Line
Print Sample Label
Feed a Label
End Key
Erase Current Line
__________________________________________________________
72
Printing Labels
4.2
Using Basic Programming Commands
In order to prepare for a command sequence, the Printer must first receive
a special character called an “attention getter”, which informs the Printer
that it is about to receive a command and the type of command it will be.
Immediate Commands, System Level Commands, and Font Loading
Commands each have their own attention getter. The attention getter
character is followed by a "command character" that tells the Printer
what action to take.
ASCII
Char.
SOH
STX
ESC
Decimal
Value
1
2
27
HEX
Value
01
02
1B
Dump
^A
^B
^[
Attention Getter For
Immediate Commands
System Level Commands
Font Loading Commands
Table 4-4 Attention Getters
When the Printer receives an Immediate command it will cease whatever it
is doing and perform that command. Commands of all types must be in the
following sequence:
1.
2.
3.
Attention Getter
Command Character
Parameters that must be entered by the user (if any).
CC
P
PR
#
N
Y
A
N
Y
B
N
N
C
N
N
D
N
N
E
N
Y
F
N
Y
CC = Command Character
P = Must Enter Parameters? (Y/N)
PR = Printer Responds ? (Y/N)
Command
Reset
Send ASCII Status String
Toggle Pause
Set Stop/Cancel
SOH Shutdown
Send Batch Quantity
Send Status Byte
Table 4-5 Immediate Commands
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
73
The most commonly used commands are the System Level Commands,
which are used to create formats, load and store graphic information, and
precisely control the Printer.
CC
A
a
B
c
d
E
e
F
f
G
g
I
J
k
L
M
m
n
O
o
P
p
Q
q
r
S
s
T
t
U
P
Y
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
PR
N
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
Command
Set Time and Date
Enable Feedback Characters
Get Printer Time and Date Information
Set Continuous Paper Length
Set Printer to Double Buffer Mode
Set Quantity for Stored Label
Select Edge Sensor
Form Feed
Set Form Stop Position
Print Last Label Format
Internal Batch Software Mode
Input Graphics Data Block
Set Pause for Each Label
Test RS-232 Port, With a Y if OK
Enter Label Formatting Mode
Set Maximum Label Length
Set Printer to Metric
Set Printer to Inches
Set Start of Print Position
Cycle Cutter
Enter Character Dump Mode
Controlled Pause
Clears all Modules
Clear Module
Select Reflective Sensor
Set Feed Rate
Set Printer to Single Buffer Mode
Printhead Dot Pattern Test Label
Test RAM Memory Module
Label Format Field Replacement
Table 4-6 System Level Commands
__________________________________________________________
74
Printing Labels
CC
P
PR
V
Y
N
v
N
Y
W
Y
Y
w
N
Y
X
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Z
N
Y
CC = Command Character
P = Must Enter Parameters? (Y/N)
PR = Printer Responds? (Y/N)
Command
Software Switch Settings
Printer's Firmware Version Information
Request Memory Module Information
Test FLASH Memory Module
Set Default Module (Special Dump Mode)
Output Sensor Values
Print Internal Information and Dot Pattern
Table 4-6 System Level Commands-Continued
An STX L command switches the Printer from the system level to the
label formatting command processor. All commands after STX L are
interpreted as Label Formatting commands.
CC
:
A
C
c
D
E
G
H
m
n
P
p
Q
R
r
S
s
T
u
P
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Description
Set Cut By Amount (4 Digit)
Set Format Attribute
Set Column Offset Amount
Set Cut by Amount (2 Digit)
Set Height and Width Dot Size
Terminate Label Formatting Mode and Print Label
Place Data in Global Register
Enter Heat Setting
Set Metric Mode
Set Inch Mode
Set Speed for Print Cycle
Set Label Backup Speed
Enter Quantity of Labels to Print
Set Row Offset Amount
Recall Stored Label Format
Set Slew Rate Speed for Feeding Labels
Store Label Format in Module
Set Field Data Line Terminator
Make Previous Field a String - Replace Mode Field
Table 4-7 Label Formatting Commands
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
75
CC
P
Description
X
N
Terminate Label Formatting Mode
Z
N
Zero (0) Conversion to "O" to Eliminate Slash (/)
+
Y
Make Last Field Entered Increment Numeric
Y
Make Last Field Entered Decrement Numeric
>
Y
Make Last Field Entered Increment Alphanumeric
<
Y
Make Last Field Entered Decrement Alphanumeric
^
Y
Set Count by Amount
CC = Command Character
P = Must Enter Parameters? (Y/N)
Table 4-7 Label Formatting Commands Continued
There are two special commands used by the Printer, the STX S (Recall
Global Data) and the STX T (Print Date and Time). Unlike the other
Label Format Commands, which follow the STX L command, these
special commands are entered directly into the data field.
Character
<STX>S
<STX>T
Description
Recall global data and place in field
Print time and date
Table 4-8 Special Label Formatting Commands
The commands used for font loading are usually generated by font
creation software. However, the Assign Font ID Number command must
be sent to the Printer before the font file.
CC
*c###D
P
N
PR
N
Description
Assign Font ID Number
### = ID Number 100 to 999
CC = Command Character
P = Must Supply Parameters?(Y/N)
PR = Printer Responds? (Y/N)
Table 4-9 Font Loading Commands
__________________________________________________________
76
Printing Labels
4.3
Sample Label
The following sample program is included for reference. This ASCII text
file will generate the label shown in Figure 4-7.
<STX> L <CR>
H07 <CR>
D11 <CR>
19110080100002510K OHM 1/4 WATT <CR>
1a6210000000050590PCS <CR>
E
10K OHM 1/4 WATT
Figure 4-7 Sample Label
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
77
4.4
Printing Bar Codes
The example shown below prints out a Code 3 of 9 Bar Code with a wide
to narrow bar ratio of 3:1, and can be used to print any of the Bar Codes
shown in Appendix B by altering the example's fields. Refer to the
Figures below for a brief explanation of the data fields.
<STX>L<CR>
D11<CR>
1A93040001501000123456789<CR>
121100000000100Bar Code A<CR>
E
<STX>L
Syntax L on line 1 is used to enter the label formatting mode.
Figure 4-8 Example line 3
Figure 4-9 Example line 4
__________________________________________________________
78
Printing Labels
__________________________________________________________
Printing Labels
79
Maintenance
5.0
Introduction
This chapter will cover the cleaning, adjusting, and some troubleshooting
tips involved with your Printer.
5.1
Cleaning
Very little Printer maintenance is required. Keeping the Printer clean will
help ensure trouble free operation. Points of interest include:
5.1.1
Printhead
WARNING:
Turn OFF the Printer before cleaning the Printhead.
The Printhead can become dirty from operation; however, regular
cleaning of the Printhead will ensure print quality. The Printhead is easily
cleaned by using a cotton swab and Isopropyl Alcohol.
Figure 5-1 Cleaning the Printhead
__________________________________________________________
80
Maintenance
5.1.2
General Cleaning
WARNING:
Turn OFF the Printer and unplug the unit from the
outlet before cleaning the Printer.
A periodical cleaning should be done on all Rollers, Guides and
Assemblies. Isopropyl Alcohol and a cotton swab can be used to clean
these areas. This will ensure all items are free of residue and will not
contribute to any Printer malfunctions.
5.1.3
Cutter or Tear Bar
WARNING:
Turn OFF the Printer and unplug the unit from the
outlet before cleaning the Cutter or Tear Bar.
The Cutter or Tear Bar can become gummed up from the media backing.
These areas should be cleaned with Isopropyl Alcohol when build-up is
noticeable.
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
81
5.2
Media Sensor Adjustment
In order to be able to detect the label edge and/or carbon black stripe for
all media sizes, the Media Sensor is adjustable across half of the media
path. The position of the Media Sensor may need to be adjusted when
changing from a wider to a narrower media stock size, this ensures that
the Media Sensor is positioned to detect the label edge.
Rotating the knurled Adjustment Knob clockwise sets the sensor for wider
media. In general, if the knob is kept in the full counterclockwise position
it will correctly sense media. However, if there is a problem in sensing
Top Of Form, try rotating this knob clockwise, one half turn at a time,
until the error is eliminated.
Do not force or over tighten this adjustment knob.
CAUTION
Figure 5-2 Media Sensor Adjustment
__________________________________________________________
82
Maintenance
5.3
Printhead Cam Adjustment
The Printer can use a variety of media widths and thicknesses. The
Printhead has a Leveling Cam adjustment that ensures even print quality.
The Cam raises and lowers the right side of the Printhead to keep the
Printhead level across the media.
NOTE:
Mis-adjustment of the Printhead Leveling Cam has been
found to cause "Ribbon Wrinkling". If you are experiencing
"Ribbon Wrinkling" problems make sure the Printhead
Leveling Cam is properly adjusted.
The knob is numbered for the convenience of the operator. (The numbers
do not relate to specific media sizes). Turn the knob one click at a time
until the desired print quality is achieved.
Figure 5-3 Printhead Cam Adjustment
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
83
5.4
Controlling Print Quality
The Printer provides maximum flexibility by offering both Direct Thermal
and Thermal Transfer printing capabilities. To support these printing
options, the Printer has a flexible set of printing controls.
The amount of heat applied to the Printhead, and the location of the
Printhead in relation to the label media have the most effect on the images
that are printed on labels. The Printer provides print quality adjustments,
but limits them to prevent the Printer from printing an image that could
damage the Printhead. For example, low-cost direct thermal stocks have
very high reaction temperatures, it takes a great deal of heat to make clear
images on this type of paper. The Printer provides three ways to
compensate for this:
(1) Use the H Label formatting command.
(2) Set the burn time to a higher value. The HEAT command accessed
through the main menu will cause more or less heat to be transferred
into the media.
(3) Increase the DARKNESS setting in the main menu for finer
adjustments.
__________________________________________________________
84
Maintenance
5.5
Troubleshooting
Occasionally, situations occur that require some troubleshooting skills.
Possible problem situations and potential solutions are listed in this
section. While not every situation is addressed here, you may find some
of these tips helpful. After the corrective action is taken press the FEED
button to clear the alarm. Contact a qualified service technician for
problems that persist, and/or are not covered in this section.
No Modules Available Message:
a. No Modules installed.
b. A Module with corrupt memory. The Printer should be powered off
and on again, this should reformat the corrupted Module.
c. A hardware problem may exist, call for service.
Poor Print Quality:
a. Dirty Printhead. Clean the Printhead.
b. Printhead temperature is too high. Use the software control to adjust
the burn time, or heat setting or use the HEAT and/or DARKNESS
functions within the menu tree.
c. Incorrect ribbon/paper combination being used. Be sure to use the
correct ribbon type.
Printer Does Not Print
(Advances several labels when FEED button is pressed).
a. Labels are loaded incorrectly. See the loading instructions on the
inside cover of the Printer, or Section 1.6.
b. Media Sensor may be out of adjustment.
c. Media Sensor or Media Sensor circuitry may be defective, call for
service.
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
85
Erratic Printing
(Prints strange characters instead of the correct label format).
a. Printer is in the test mode. Reset the Printer via software, or
simultaneously press the CANCEL and PAUSE buttons, or turn the
Printer off and then on again.
b. Printer is set for 8 data bits but the transmitting device is set up for 7
data bits (or vice versa). Check the current data bits setting from the
Operators Panel.
Ribbon Does Not Advance
(Printer advances paper but ribbon does not advance).
a. Ribbon is installed incorrectly. Make sure the dull side (inked side) of
the ribbon is facing the paper.
b. A bad ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an insufficient amount
of friction between paper and ribbon. Ensure the correct type of
ribbon is being used.
Skips Every Other Label
(Print quality is good but skips every other label).
a. The label is formatted too close to top edge of the form. Leave white
space equal to 8 dot rows at the top of the label, approx. .02" (.5mm).
Unable to print in rotation 4
a. Characters are formatted outside the dimensions of the label. Check
that the row/column values provide enough room for the height of the
characters or bar code to be printed.
__________________________________________________________
86
Maintenance
Print Light lit on the Right Side of Label
a. Media Width Adjustment Cam is set for a narrower media width than
the actual media being used.
b. Printhead is adjusted for thick media or cardstock.
c. Printhead misaligned, call for service.
Printer fails to turn on
a. Blown fuse, call for service.
b. Faulty AC cord.
c. Bad Printer power switch, call for service.
d. Faulty AC wall outlet.
No Display
(Power indicator on but nothing in display).
a. Contrast is set too low, turn Contrast adjustment clockwise
until the display appears.
b. Faulty Display, call for service.
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
87
5.6
Printer Alarms
The Printer has built in alarms that monitor the Printer's status and stock
conditions. Alarm messages will be displayed on the Operators Panel
LCD display indicating the present status of the Printer, stock levels, or if
the Printer’s electronics have detected an error condition.
LCD Display
Alarm Description
PROM FAULT
Power up initialization detected a PROM
failure, call for service.
RAM FAULT
Power up initialization detected a RAM
failure, call for service.
RTC RAM FAULT
The RTC Non Volatile RAM failed its
checksum test, call for service.
The above three alarms are displayed on 'POWER-UP'.
PRINT HEAD FAULT
Thermal Printhead control circuit failed,
call for service.
ADC FAULT
Analog to digital converter failed,
call for service.
TOF FAULT
Printer failed to find the top of form
position.
Possible causes:
1. Defective stock
2. Max Label Length (set from
communications or front panel) is
smaller than one form.
3. Media sensor out of adjustment.
4. Defective media sensor, call for
service.
__________________________________________________________
88
Maintenance
HEAD UP FAULT
Head is in the UP position, or it is not
completely latched down.
OUT OF STOCK
Printer is out of stock or media not
loaded correctly.
RIBBON FAULT
The ribbon system detected a fault.
Possible causes:
1. Out of ribbon or not loaded correctly.
2. Ribbon motion was prohibited.
3. Obstructions in the paper movement
may cause ribbon faults.
CUTTER FAULT
CAUTION
The cutter operation failed.
Turn OFF the Printer and unplug the unit from the outlet
before attempting to remove any jam or obstruction from
the cutter.
Possible causes:
1. Jam in cutter
2. Defective cutter hardware,
call for service.
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
89
RIB SAVER FAULT
The Ribbon Saver operation failed.
Possible causes:
1. Obstruction in ribbon area.
2. Defective Ribbon saver hardware,
call for service.
CUTTER NotEQP
RIBSVR NotEQP
The cutter option is enabled and the
cutter is not present.
The Ribbon Saver option is enabled and
the Ribbon Saver is not present.
__________________________________________________________
90
Maintenance
__________________________________________________________
Maintenance
91
Appendix A
ASCII Control Chart
Char
NUL
SOH
STX
EXT
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS
US
NOTE:
Dec
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Hex
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F
Char
!
Ò
#
$
%
&
Ô
(
)
*
+
,
.
/
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
:
;
<
=
>
?
Dec
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
Hex
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F
Char
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
Dec
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
Hex
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F
Char
`
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
|
}
~
Dec
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
Hex
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F
For the hardware handshake XON/XOFF commands
XON = (DC1)
XOFF = (DC3)
__________________________________________________________
Appendix A
A-1
Char
Dec
Hex
Char
Dec
Hex
Dec
Hex
Char
Dec
Hex
Ç
128
80
á
160
A0
192
C0
Ó
224
E0
ü
129
81
í
161
A1
193
C1
ß
225
E1
é
130
82
ó
162
A2
194
C2
Ô
226
E2
â
131
83
ú
163
A3
195
C3
Ò
227
E3
ä
132
84
ñ
164
A4
196
C4
õ
228
E4
à
133
85
Ñ
165
A5
197
C5
Õ
229
E5
å
134
86
ª
166
A6
ã
198
C6
µ
230
E6
ç
135
87
°
167
A7
Ã
199
C7
þ
231
E7
ê
136
88
¿
168
A8
200
C8
Þ
232
E8
ë
137
89
®
169
A9
201
C9
Ú
233
E9
è
138
8A
170
AA
202
CA
Û
234
EA
ï
139
8B
1/2
171
AB
203
CB
Ù
235
EB
î
140
8C
1/4
172
AC
204
CC
ý
236
EC
¡
Ý
237
ED
ì
141
8D
Ä
142
8E
Å
143
8F
¯
Char
173
AD
205
CD
174
AE
206
CE
238
EE
175
AF
207
CF
239
EF
É
144
90
176
B0
ð
208
D0
æ
145
91
177
B1
Ð
209
D1
Æ
146
92
²
178
B2
Ê
210
D2
ô
147
93
³
179
B3
Ë
211
D3
ö
148
94
´
180
B4
È
212
D4
ò
149
95
Á
181
B5
213
D5
û
150
96
Â
182
B6
Í
214
D6
÷
246
F6
ù
151
97
À
183
B7
Î
215
D7
¸
247
F7
Ï
±
3/4
240
F0
241
F1
242
F2
243
F3
244
F4
245
F5
ÿ
152
98
©
184
B8
216
D8
º
248
F8
Ö
153
99
¹
185
B9
217
D9
¨
249
F9
Ü
154
9A
186
BA
218
DA
·
250
FA
ø
155
9B
187
BB
219
DB
251
FB
£
156
9C
188
BC
220
DC
252
FC
Ø
157
9D
¢
189
BD
221
DD
253
FD
x
158
9E
¥
190
BE
222
DE
254
FE
ƒ
159
9F
191
BF
223
DF
255
FF
»
Ì
__________________________________________________________
A-2
Appendix A
Appendix B
Available Fonts and Bar Codes
All character fonts and bar codes available with the Printer are described
in this section. Each font and bar code has a name associated with it for
use in programming. Human readable fonts have numeric names while
bar code fonts have alpha names. Uppercase alpha names will print bar
codes with human readable interpretations, while lowercase alpha names
will print bar codes only.
Fonts 0 through 8 use the slash zero (Ø) conventions for distinguishing
between the zero and the alphabetic O. The slash can be removed with the
label formatting command Z. These fonts are non-proportional
(monospaced) fonts, all of the characters take up the same amount of
space when printed. This is helpful when using variable data in a fixed
area. The sizes of these fonts are shown in Table B-1.
The Triumvirate font number 9 is a proportional font, each character will
take up a different amount of space when printed. For example, the letter
W will be larger than the letter I.
Human Readable Fonts
Font Matrix Sizes
Font
Dot H
0
10
1
19
2
27
3
40
4
53
5
77
6
95
7
47
8
41
Dot W
7
10
15
21
27
27
47
22
22
Dot Spacing
1
3
3
3
4
4
6
7
7
Table B-1 Human Readable Font Sizes
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-1
Font
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Valid ASCII Characters
32-127
32-168, 171, 172, 225
32-168, 171, 172, 225
32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153, 154,
156, 157, 165, 168, 225
32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153, 154,
156, 157, 165, 168, 225
32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153, 154,
156, 157, 165, 168, 225
32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153, 154,
156, 157, 165, 168, 225
32-126
32, 48-57, 60, 62, 67, 69, 78, 83, 84, 88, 90
32-126, 128-169, 171-173, 181-184, 189, 190, 198,
199, 208-216, 222, 224-237, 241, 243, 246-250
Table B-2 Valid Human Readable Font ASCII Characters
Font 0. 96-character
alphanumeric Upper and lower
case.
Font 1. 145-character upper and
lower case alphanumeric w/
descenders and ascenders.
__________________________________________________________
B-2
Appendix B
Font 2. 138-character
alphanumeric upper and lower
case.
Font 3. 62-character
alphanumeric
uppercase.
Font 4. 62-character
alphanumeric
uppercase.
Font 5. 62-character
alphanumeric
uppercase.
Font 6. 62-character alphanumeric uppercase.
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-3
Font 7. OCR-A, size I.
Font 8. OCR-B, size III.
Font 9. Internal Triumvirate font.
Point sizes are selected by the number in the bar code height field.
__________________________________________________________
B-4
Appendix B
Font
Length
Cksum
Valid ASCII Characters
A
B
Varies
11
No
Yes
C
D
E
F
6
Varies
Varies
12
Yes
No
M-103
Yes
G
H
I
J
K
7
Varies
Varies
Varies
Up to 14
Yes
M-43
No
M-10
M-10
L
M
N
O
p
Q
R
S
T
U
v
z
13
2
5
Varies
Varies
19
18
34 +
Varies
84
1
Varies
M-10
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
32, 36, 37, 42, 43, 45-57, 65-90
48-57 Numeric only.
Option V used in the 6th & 7th position
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
32-127
48-57 Numeric only. Option V used in the 7th &
8th position
48-57 Numeric only
32, 36-39, 42, 43, 45-57, 65-90
36, 43, 45-58, 65-68
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only. Option + is Last Character
for Second M-11 Checksum
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
35-38, 42-58, 65-90, 97-122
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
48-57 Numeric only
Alpha numeric
Alpha numeric
A, B, C, D
All
Table B-3 Valid Bar Code Font ASCII Characters
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-5
Barcode A. Code 3 of 9
Barcode B. UPC-A
Barcode C. UPC-E
Barcode D. Interleaved 2 of 5
Barcode E. Code 128
Barcode F. EAN-13
Barcode G. EAN-8
Barcode H. Health Industry
Barcode (HBIC)
Barcode I. Codabar
Barcode J. Interleaved 2 of 5
w/modulo 10 checksum
__________________________________________________________
B-6
Appendix B
Barcode K. Plessy
Barcode L. Interleaved 2 of 5
w/modulo 10 checksum and
shipping bearer bars
Barcode M. 2 Digit UPC
addendum
Barcode N. 5 Digit UPC
addendum
Barcode O. Code 93
Barcode p. Postnet
Barcode Q. UCC/EAN Code 128
Barcode R. UCC/EAN Code 128
KMART NON EDI
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-7
Barcode S. UCC/EAN Code 128
Random Weight
Barcode T. Telepen
Barcode u. UPS MaxiCode
Barcode v. FIM
Barcode z. PDF-417
__________________________________________________________
B-8
Appendix B
Font Cartridges
Font cartridges are pre-loaded with 13 sizes of each typeface in both
portrait and landscape orientations. To print a particular size, specify a
"name" by which that size was stored on the cartridge. The following are
the names of each font and size available for all font cartridges:
CG Triumvirate (Internal Font)
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering system
Portrait and Landscape
Font ID
A04
A05
A06
A08
A10
A12
A14
A18
A24
A30
A36
A48
A72
Old Numbering system
Portrait and Landscape
Font ID
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
CG Triumvirate Italic
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering
system
Portrait and
Landscape Font ID
B04
B05
B06
B08
B10
B12
B14
B18
B24
B30
B36
B48
B72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Font ID
Landscape
Font ID
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-9
CG Triumvirate Bold
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering
system
Portrait and
Landscape Font ID
C04
C05
C06
C08
C10
C12
C14
C18
C24
C30
C36
C48
C72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Font ID
Landscape
Font ID
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed
Point
Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering
system
Portrait and
Landscape Font ID
D04
D05
D06
D08
D10
D12
D14
D18
D24
D30
D36
D48
D72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Font ID
Landscape
Font ID
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
__________________________________________________________
B-10
Appendix B
CG Times
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering system
Portrait and Landscape
Font ID
E04
E05
E06
E08
E10
E12
E14
E18
E24
E30
E36
E48
E72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Landscape
Font ID
Font ID
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
CG Times Bold
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering system
Portrait and Landscape
Font ID
F04
F05
F06
F08
F10
F12
F14
F18
F24
F30
F36
F48
F72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Landscape
Font ID
Font ID
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
__________________________________________________________
Appendix B
B-11
Futura Extra Bold Condensed
Point Size
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
18
24
30
36
48
72
New Numbering system
Portrait and Landscape
Font ID
G04
G05
G06
G08
G10
G12
G14
G18
G24
G30
G36
G48
G72
Old Numbering system
Portrait
Landscape
Font ID
Font ID
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
__________________________________________________________
B-12
Appendix B
Appendix C
Error Codes
The most common error codes that may be transmitted by the Printer are
described here.
Lowercase "c"
The Printer received a data byte from the host computer that contains a
framing error, (corrupted data), usually due to noise.
Lowercase "e"
Memory Module won't clear. Retry after a <STX> W command.
Lowercase "v"
There is an input buffer overflow situation. This is caused when an
overflow of data is sent to the Printer.
Uppercase "I"
An invalid command sequence was sent to the Printer. The Printer did not
understand the command sequence and terminated the command
interpreter.
Uppercase "R"
This code is sent every time the Printer is turned on. It signals that there
was a hardware reset.
Uppercase "T"
This code signals there was a software reset. A software reset is made by
sending the command sequence to the Printer or by doing a front panel
reset.
BELL HEX "07"
This code is usually returned on a corrupt image download, or if you try
to load an image that is already installed in the module.
__________________________________________________________
Appendix C
C-1
__________________________________________________________
C-2
Appendix C
Appendix D
Warranty Information
DMX 600/800
Printer
Datamax warrants to Purchaser that under normal use and service, the
DMX 600/800, (with the exception of the thermal Printhead) purchased
hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of (365) days from the date of shipment by Datamax.
Expendable and/or consumable items or parts such as lamps, fuses, labels
and ribbons are not covered under this warranty. This warranty does not
cover equipment or parts which have been misused, altered, neglected,
handled carelessly, or used for purposes other than those for which they
were manufactured. This warranty also does not cover loss, damages
resulting from accident, or damages resulting from unauthorized service.
Thermal Printhead
This warranty is limited to a period of one year, (365 days), or 1,000,000
linear inches of use, whichever comes first, for the DMX 600/800 thermal
printhead. This one year (365 days) warranty is valid only if a Datamax approved thermal or thermal transfer label media is used, as defined in the
then current Datamax list of approved thermal/thermal transfer media, a
copy of which is available from Datamax. Failure to use Datamaxapproved media is justification for invalidation of this thermal printhead
warranty. This warranty does not cover printheads which have been
misused, altered, neglected, handled carelessly, or damaged due to
improper cleaning or unauthorized repairs.
__________________________________________________________
Appendix D
D-1
Warranty Service Procedures
If a defect should occur during the warranty period, the defective unit
shall be returned, freight and insurance prepaid, in the original shipping
containers, to Datamax at: 4724 Parkway Commerce Blvd., Orlando,
Florida, 32808. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be
issued before the product can be returned. To open an RMA please call
Datamax Customer Service Support Department at (407) 578-8007
extension 5550. Please include your RMA number on the outside of the
box and on the shipping document. Include a contact name, action desired,
a detailed description of the problem(s), and examples when possible with
the defective unit. Datamax shall not be responsible for any loss or
damages incurred in shipping. Any warranty work to be performed by
Datamax shall be subject to Datamax’s confirmation that such product
meets Datamax warranty. In the event of a defect covered by its warranty,
Datamax will return the repaired or replaced product to the Purchaser at
Datamax’s cost.
With respect to a defect in Hardware covered by the warranty, the
warranty shall continue in effect until the end of the original warranty
period, or for sixty (60) days after the repair or replacement, whichever is
later.
General Warranty Provisions
Datamax makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or
suitability of any of its hardware, supplies, or software.
Software is licensed on an “as is” basis without warranty. Except and to
the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all other
warranties, there are no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but
not limited to, any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose.
Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the selection, use, efficiency and
suitability of Datamax’s products.
__________________________________________________________
D-2
Appendix D
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any indirect,
special or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating
to Datamax’s products, or the performance or a breach thereof, even if
Datamax has been advised of the possibility thereof. Datamax’s liability,
if any, to the purchaser or to the customer of the purchaser hereunder
shall in no event exceed the total amounts paid to Datamax hereunder by
the purchaser for a defective product.
In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any damages
resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Datamax in the delivery
or installation of the computer hardware, supplies or software or in the
performance of any services.
Some States do not permit the exclusion of incidental or consequential
damages, and in those States the foregoing limitations may not apply. The
warranties here give you specific legal rights, and you may have other
legal rights which vary from State to State.
__________________________________________________________
Appendix D
D-3
__________________________________________________________
D-4
Appendix D